Vuelta boss welcomes Pogacar with open arms in 2025: "Chances are he'll be present"

The Tour de France and Giro d'Italia are already on Tadej Pogacar's list of victories, the first even three times, so one is still missing: the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian may combine the Tour and Vuelta next year, especially since Pogacar managed to win both the Giro and Tour this year, a combination that is considered more difficult. Vuelta boss Javier Guillen already has his eye on the cyclist's arrival.

Winning all three grand tours is a rare feat. Only seven riders have succeeded in this challenging task, including Eddy Merckx, but more recently, Vincenzo Nibali, Chris Froome, and Alberto Contador. Pogacar could join that list in the coming years. The Vuelta a España is no unknown territory for the UAE Team Emirates rider. As a first-year pro, he made his breakthrough with three stage wins and a third place in the GC.

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Guillén: "Chances are he will be there in 2025"

"We are excited and delighted that Pogacar might attend the Vuelta a España," Guillén, the Vuelta's boss, is already eagerly looking ahead in conversation with AS. Although he is all too aware that the rider's programs will only take shape in the coming months, he knows that Pogacar's arrival to his round will be significant. "We respect the rider's decision, but there is an unavoidable reality: the only big tour he misses is the Vuelta. If he decides to ride the Vuelta, he is more than welcome, but if you ask me, I think there is a good chance he will be there in 2025."

Guillén also spoke about the Vuelta for women. It took place this year from late April through early May. The race consisted of eight stages and was eventually won by Demi Vollering. The current date of the race is not ideal for Guillén. He would prefer to see La Vuelta Femenina simultaneously as the men's race. "I think that could also be beneficial for the race. We are still seeing if it fits. We are still analyzing because it is not a question of whether the Vuelta Femenina fits well in May. After all, good riders are coming. We have to explore other things as well." What exactly are those things? Guillén is silent about that part.

The Vuelta boss further believes that women's cycling as a sport has significantly developed in recent years. "We feel that something has changed. Ten, 15 years ago, we were in a precarious situation regarding women's sports, but thanks to the will of everyone, we have managed to change that," Guillén concludes.