Tadej Pogačar Eyes Classics Victories and Continues Rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard
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Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, has outlined his ambitions for the coming seasons, expressing a desire too explore new challenges and add to his already impressive palmarès. While content with his career trajectory thus far,the Slovenian star is particularly focused on conquering the Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix classics,and hopes to continue his compelling rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France.
A Desire for New Challenges
Pogačar emphasized his commitment to experiencing all facets of professional cycling. “I want to try new things and, in the years to come, I don’t want to finish my career without having tried everything,” he stated. This ambition extends beyond Grand Tours, signaling a strong intent to compete across a wider range of events.
The Vingegaard Factor & Grand Tour Plans
Despite speculation about Jonas Vingegaard perhaps riding the Giro d’Italia in 2025,Pogačar expressed a preference for a continued head-to-head battle with his rival at the tour de France. He believes the presence of top competitors elevates the racing experience. “I want to see all the competitors at their best during the Tour de France or any other race.If some miss the race or have bad luck, the atmosphere is not the same and you don’t feel the same. Plus, we motivate each other every year. Over the last four years, jonas has pushed me to another level in the Tour. It is necessary for him to be there every year,” Pogačar explained.
While he hasn’t yet secured a victory at the Vuelta a España, Pogačar doesn’t appear overly preoccupied with it. “I’m not obsessed with that. I want to take part in La Vuelta, I want to compete and, of course, I also want to win. But if my career ended today, I would be quite satisfied.”
Focus on the Classics: Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix
Pogačar has set his sights on winning the two most prestigious one-day races in cycling: Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix. He has already claimed victory in the other three cycling “Monuments” – Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021), the Tour of Lombardy (2021, 2022), and Flèche Wallonne (2021).
He acknowledges the difficulty of these races, particularly given his past results. Pogačar has finished in the top 5 of Milan-sanremo four times and was second in Paris-Roubaix in 2025. He intends to continue challenging for victory in these events. “The Tour de France is the biggest race, but I also want to express myself in the classics, to show if I can improve in the one-day races compared to this year or last year. San Remo and roubaix are two races that I am very motivated to try again and compete for victory.”
Key Takeaways:
* broad Ambitions: Pogačar aims to experience all aspects of professional cycling.
* Vingegaard Rivalry: he values the competitive dynamic with jonas Vingegaard and hopes for continued battles at the Tour de France.
* Classics Focus: Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix are primary targets for the coming seasons.
* Contentment: pogačar expresses satisfaction with his career even without a Vuelta a España victory.
Pogačar’s commitment to both stage racing and one-day classics demonstrates a well-rounded ambition. As he continues to evolve as a rider, his pursuit of these goals promises exciting racing for fans in the years to come.
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