Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling champion, is gearing up for the Tour de France, but not without a hint of rivalry. While Jonas Vingegaard, his arch-rival, is in full swing for the Giro d'Italia, Pogačar has already embarked on his altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada, a strategic move to prepare for the upcoming Tour de France. This year's camp marks a slight shift in timing, as Pogačar's preparation begins later than last year, when he was training for the Critérium du Dauphiné. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader is now in southern Spain, ready to conquer the Tour de France, a race he aims to win for the fifth time, joining the legendary riders Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault in cycling history. Pogačar's participation in the Tour de Suisse, a first for him, adds another layer of anticipation to his already impressive career. The question remains: what's next for Pogačar after the Tour? A third straight road title at the World Championships is a strong possibility, but the details of his post-Tour race program remain under wraps. The Sierra Nevada camp, with its altitude training, is a crucial part of Pogačar's strategy, and while there's no indication of a recon mission for the Vuelta a España's stage 20, the focus remains on the Tour de France, where Pogačar's prowess is expected to shine.
