Tadej Pogacar’s Training Intensity in Sierra Nevada Spots Attention Ahead of Tour de France

Tadej Pogacar, the reigning Tour de France champion, has been observed training in Sierra Nevada, Spain, with apparent ease on climbs that left fellow cyclist Maxim Van Gils astonished, according to reports from the Tour Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes. Van Gils, who was preparing for the regional race in May, described how Pogacar “slid past them on ascents at what seemed like a normal pace,” despite the Belgian cyclist’s own rigorous training regimen.

Training Insights from Maxim Van Gils

Maxim Van Gils, part of the Team DSM squad, shared his experience during a training session in Sierra Nevada, where he was joined by teammates Koen Bouwman, Thomas de Gendt, and Valentin Paret-Peintre. “We weren’t going slow, but Pogacar climbed so fast that we initially thought it was a joke,” Van Gils told Het Laatste Nieuws. “We expected to find him hiding behind a bush a few turns ahead, but he was already at the summit.”

Van Gils’ comments highlight Pogacar’s continued dominance in climbing scenarios, a critical skill for the Tour de France, which includes several high-altitude stages. The Slovenian rider, who recently recovered from a pelvic fracture sustained during the Clásica Jaén in March, has been focusing on regaining his form ahead of the July race.

Pogacar’s Road to the Tour de France

Pogacar’s training in Sierra Nevada aligns with his team’s strategy to prepare for the Tour de France, which begins on July 6. The 27-year-old, riding for UAE Team Emirates, has been seen participating in the Giro di Svizzera, a key preparatory race, according to cycling news outlet Cyclingnews. His performance in the Giro di Svizzera, set for June 20-23, will likely provide further insight into his readiness for the Tour.

UAE Team Emirates has not publicly commented on Pogacar’s training specifics, but the team’s focus on high-altitude training in Spain underscores their emphasis on building endurance for the Pyrenees and Alps stages of the Tour.

Why It Matters: Pogacar’s Dominance and Competitive Landscape

Pogacar’s ability to outpace seasoned climbers like Van Gils during training sessions reinforces his reputation as a formidable contender. In 2023, he won the Tour de France by over 10 minutes, a margin that highlighted his superiority in mountain stages. This year, competitors such as Jonas Vingegaard (Ineos Grenadiers) and Primož Roglič (Red Bull Bike) will aim to challenge his dominance, but Pogacar’s early-season training suggests he remains in peak condition.

Van Gils’ account also sheds light on the intense competition within professional cycling. Riders often train together to simulate race conditions, and Pogacar’s performance in these sessions could signal his confidence ahead of the Tour.