Tadej Pogacar, of UAE Team Emirates, is eyeing a historic Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double in the future, but five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain believes he may “pay the price” for his early-season successes. Indurain, who achieved the double in 1992 and 1993, remains the only cyclist to win the Tour de France five times in a row. He acknowledges Pogacar’s ability to accomplish the double, but warns of the challenges that come with such a feat. Indurain notes that managing effort is easier now with advancements in data on power output and watts, but the demands of back-to-back GCs are still significant.
Indurain, drawing from his own experiences, highlights the physical and mental effort required to maintain form through consecutive Grand Tours. He cautions that Pogacar’s busy race schedule and potential fatigue from the Giro d’Italia could affect his performance in the later stages of the Tour de France. Indurain stresses the importance of focusing on one race at a time, without getting distracted by future challenges or outcomes. He acknowledges the need for balance during the month-long break between the two Grand Tours, balancing rest with training effectively can be a difficult task for riders aiming for multiple victories.
The discussion around Pogacar’s racing style and team support has surfaced in the cycling world, with some questioning if he has the necessary backing from UAE Team Emirates. Indurain points out that Pogacar’s racing tactics do not heavily rely on his team’s support, and this can lead to additional efforts that may impact him in the long run. However, Indurain recognizes that Pogacar’s style is set, and it is unlikely to change. As the Giro d’Italia kicks off in May and the Tour de France begins in June, Pogacar faces the challenge of maintaining peak performance throughout both demanding races with limited recovery time in between.
The legendary cyclist emphasizes the unpredictability and unique challenges of each race, including time trials, mountains, and other race dynamics that can influence a rider’s performance. Indurain advises Pogacar to focus on the task at hand without getting ahead of himself or worrying about future outcomes. Despite advancements in training methods and data analysis, the mental aspect of racing and managing effort remains crucial for riders aiming for multiple victories. While the competitive cycling landscape has evolved, with more insights and tools available to athletes, the fundamental elements of endurance, strategy, and resilience still play a significant role in achieving success in major stage races like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
In conclusion, Pogacar’s pursuit of the Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double faces challenges and uncertainties, as highlighted by the insights of Miguel Indurain. Indurain’s experience and perspective offer valuable advice for Pogacar as he navigates the demanding schedule and physical demands of competing in two prestigious Grand Tours in a single season. With a combination of talent, determination, and strategic planning, Pogacar aims to etch his name alongside cycling legends like Indurain by conquering both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. As the excitement builds for the upcoming races, all eyes will be on Pogacar and his quest for cycling greatness in the seasons ahead.
