Tadej Pogačar's Ambitious 2027 Cycling Calendar Revealed
Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar has outlined his competitive agenda for 2027, a strategy shaped by both current season developments and the impending 2028 Olympic Games schedule. His primary ambition includes conquering the Vuelta a España, the only Grand Tour title yet to grace his illustrious career, alongside pursuing a historic sixth Tour de France victory.
During a charity golf event in Volčji Potok, Slovenia, Pogačar also addressed lingering inquiries about his recent crash during stage eight of this year's Vuelta. This incident resulted in severe injuries, including a fractured collarbone, a vertebral injury, and a concussion, which had fueled various speculative narratives. He unequivocally dismissed these as "fake news," clarifying that the accident was caused by a large stone.
Beyond his Vuelta aspirations, Pogačar is keenly focused on securing another triumph at the Tour de France, set to commence in Britain on July 2, 2027. Achieving a sixth General Classification win would place him ahead of cycling legends like Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain, making him the most decorated rider in Tour history. (Lance Armstrong's seven consecutive titles from 1999–2005 were later revoked due to doping.) Additionally, the UCI Road World Championships in Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc, France, starting August 24, are a major target after his absence this year due to injuries. The close proximity of the Worlds to the Vuelta a España, which begins on September 4, 2027, in Galicia, highlights the demanding nature of his schedule.
Pogačar’s decision to prioritize the Vuelta over the Giro d'Italia next year is further influenced by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which begin shortly after the 2028 Tour de France. The compressed calendar would make attempting the 2028 Vuelta highly challenging, even for a rider of Pogačar’s caliber. This strategic planning underscores his long-term vision and commitment to achieving unparalleled success in professional cycling, demonstrating both tactical acumen and physical prowess in managing such an intense race schedule. His focus remains firmly on making history while meticulously preparing for future challenges.