Vuelta chief hails Pogacar's participation despite one-man show risk

Javier Guillen, the race director for the Vuelta a España, expressed his delight over Tadej Pogacar's participation in the upcoming cycling Grand Tour, calling it a "dream" and a "gift" for the event. Pogacar, who last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, is expected to bring significant attention and viewership to the race, which begins in Monaco. Guillen anticipates a "fantastic show" and a substantial increase in spectators, media coverage, and television viewers.

“

It is a form of dream to have Pogacar with us, because he has not raced here since 2019. In fact, the Vuelta was the first major race that discovered and showcased Pogacar to everyone.

Pogacar's recent performance at the Tour de France, where he won five stages and finished with a lead of over six minutes, has raised questions about potential dominance in the Vuelta. However, Guillen reframed this as a challenge for other riders. "It's not Pogacar's fault. It's the other riders' challenge," he stated, emphasizing that the Slovenian star is simply doing what he needs to do, and it is up to his competitors to perform at their best.

“

That he is here now is fantastic news and a gift. It means we will have the best and most spectacular rider with us, and we expect a fantastic show.

Guillen acknowledged that Pogacar might be affected by his demanding Tour de France campaign. "It is clear that he won the Tour de France with a large distance to second and third place, but we must see how the Tour has affected him physically and mentally when he rides the Vuelta right after," he said. This could potentially make the race more open, though Guillen ultimately believes the "road will decide."

“

His participation will certainly bring more spectators to the roads, more media coverage, and more TV viewers. Everything is positive, and the attention around the race will grow enormously.

Despite the possibility of a dominant performance, Guillen considers Pogacar a "living legend" and feels fortunate to witness his cycling prowess firsthand. While acknowledging that riders like Felix Gall, Oscar Onley, Mattias Skjelmose, and Joao Almeida are considered contenders, he suggested they would need to reach an "unprecedented level" to challenge the Slovenian over three weeks. Ultimately, Guillen's priority is having the best and most spectacular rider in the race, and Pogacar fits that description perfectly.

“

It's not Pogacar's fault. It's the other riders' challenge. In Spain, people also talk about me having to watch out for the other riders. But Pogacar just does what he has to do, and the other riders' task is to do their best.