Given his versatility, exceptional climbing skills, and sharp race strategy, it’s clear why Alberto Contador is so confident in the Slovenian rider’s potential.
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, is widely regarded as one of the
sport’s most versatile riders, with the ability to conquer any terrain thrown at
him. This unique adaptability was recently highlighted by none other than
Spanish cycling legend Alberto Contador, who firmly believes that Pogačar is
tailor-made for the 2025 edition of La Vuelta a España. According to
Contador, the upcoming course promises a perfect opportunity for Pogačar to
display his skills and potentially add the Spanish Grand Tour to his already
impressive palmarès.
A Champion’s Versatility.
Alberto Contador, a two-time winner of La Vuelta and one of the greatest
Grand Tour riders in history, has watched the rise of Pogačar with great
interest. Contador’s insight into what makes a rider successful in Grand Tours
is unparalleled, and his assessment of Pogačar’s capabilities is a testament to
the Slovenian’s exceptional talents.
Pogačar, the reigning champion of the Tour de France, has demonstrated an
ability to dominate in a variety of conditions. Whether it’s on the steepest
climbs of the Pyrenees, battling in the sweltering heat of summer, or fighting
through the cold and rain, the UAE Team Emirates rider has shown that he
can excel in almost every aspect of stage racing. Contador believes that
Pogačar’s ability to adapt to different race profiles, combined with his mental
toughness, makes him a prime candidate for success in La Vuelta 2025.
An Ideal Course for Pogačar.
While the specifics of the 2025 Vuelta’s course have not been revealed in full,
early hints and rumors suggest a route with a mix of demanding mountain
stages and tricky time trials. Contador, who is intimately familiar with the
challenges of La Vuelta, sees this as a challenge that suits Pogačar perfectly.
“What stands out about Pogačar is his capacity to adapt to every course, every
type of terrain, and every challenge,” Contador remarked. “If the 2025 Vuelta
includes the right mix of time trials, mountain stages, and opportunities for
strategic plays, Tadej will be in a perfect position to claim the victory. His
climbing ability is extraordinary, but he’s also shown great proficiency in time
trials, which is a critical aspect of winning any Grand Tour.”
Contador’s confidence in Pogačar’s skills is rooted in the Slovenian’s
performances over the last few years. Whether it was his dominant displays in
the mountains at the Tour de France or his ability to take crucial time during
individual stages, Pogačar has repeatedly shown that he can adapt to different
challenges. This combination of raw talent and adaptability, according to
Contador, makes Pogačar well-equipped for the trials of La Vuelta 2025.
The Strategic Play.
Another key factor that Contador emphasized is Pogačar’s maturity in terms of
race strategy. While he is still young, Pogačar has shown a remarkable ability
to read races and make intelligent decisions at critical moments. In Grand
Tours, where the course unfolds over three weeks, the ability to handle
pressure, deal with fatigue, and make the right tactical choices is often the
difference between victory and defeat.
“I’ve seen Pogačar evolve as a rider,” Contador said. “He knows when to attack
and when to conserve energy. His ability to manage himself over the three
weeks of a Grand Tour is something that sets him apart from many other
riders.”
If the 2025 Vuelta includes a series of mountain stages in the high-altitude
climbs of the Spanish interior or in the Pyrenees, Pogačar’s aggressive
attacking style will give him an edge. The Slovenian has demonstrated that he
can race aggressively, taking risks when the moment is right. This quality,
combined with his tactical awareness, makes him a formidable opponent in
any stage race.
An Exciting Future.
With the 2025 edition of La Vuelta still a couple of years away, there is plenty
of time for course details to emerge and for riders like Pogačar to prepare.
Contador’s belief in Pogačar, however, serves as a reminder of the incredible
potential the Slovenian possesses. If Pogačar continues his trajectory of
growth, there’s little doubt that he will be one of the top contenders for victory.
For fans of the sport, the 2025 Vuelta promises to be an exciting edition, with
Pogačar at the heart of the battle. With his adaptability, his climbing prowess,
and his tactical brilliance, it’s easy to see why Alberto Contador has such high
hopes for the Slovenian star.
