Pogačar promises Prince Albert he will race the Vuelta a España

Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, appears to be heading to Spain for the Vuelta a España, a race he has only competed in once before. The 2019 Vuelta marked his debut in a Grand Tour, where he surprised many by finishing third behind Primož Roglič and Alejandro Valverde. Despite his early success, Pogačar has not returned to the Spanish Grand Tour since, focusing instead on the Tour de France and other races.

Last year, knee injuries hampered Pogačar's post-Tour de France recovery, making a Vuelta appearance impossible. This year, however, he seems revitalized and ready for a new challenge. The Vuelta's grand start in Monaco, where Pogačar lives, presents an optimal opportunity for him to compete. Reports suggest Pogačar has pledged to Prince Albert II of Monaco that he will be at the starting line.

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He said he would be at the start, and I hope he will be.

"He said he would be at the start, and I hope he will be," the Prince was quoted as saying. While an official confirmation is expected after the Tour de France, Pogačar himself offered a diplomatic response when asked about the Prince's statement: "If Prince Albert said that, then there must be something to it." The race kicks off on August 22 with a 9-kilometer time trial through the principality, starting near the iconic Monte Carlo casino and sharing part of its route with the Formula 1 circuit.

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If Prince Albert said that, then there must be something to it.