Zurich 2024: Pogacar Swaps Grand Tour Glory for Rainbow Jersey Chase
Tadej Pogacar, currently training in Spain with his UAE Team Emirates squad, has revealed his priorities for the upcoming cycling season.
In a surprising twist, he declared that his main focus won’t be the prestigious Giro d’Italia or Tour de France, but rather the World Championships in Zurich.
Pogacar has long dreamt of tackling the Giro, and 2024 finally presents the opportunity. However, he emphasizes that both the Giro and the Tour hold equal importance for him: “I’ve always wanted to do the Giro, and I think 2024 is a good year to try and give 100% on both the Giro and the Tour.”
This approach differs from the traditional focus on one Grand Tour per year. Pogacar acknowledges the uniqueness of each race and the intense concentration required for success: “Every race is unique and has its own story. You have to be very focused on each one.”
Choosing the World Championships as his top priority might seem unconventional, but Pogacar has a clear motive. The hilly terrain of the Zurich course aligns perfectly with his strengths as a climber. He believes he has a genuine shot at the rainbow jersey: “With the World Championships at the end of the season, on a course that suits me well, I want to be there to fight for the title.”
Pogacar’s decision signifies a shift in his racing strategy, prioritizing individual glory over team dominance. While UAE Team Emirates boasts a formidable lineup with Adam Yates and Juan Ayuso, Pogacar seems determined to chart his own course in 2024.
With his sights set on the Giro, Tour, and World Championships, Pogacar is poised for a monumental season. His unwavering ambition and strategic planning promise to keep cycling fans captivated throughout the year.
So, while the cycling world might have anticipated a Giro-Tour showdown from Pogacar, it seems the Slovenian phenom has a different, and potentially even more thrilling, script in mind for 2024.
