'He's in Tour de France mode' - Tadej Pogačar at altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada

Tadej Pogačar has commenced his altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada as part of his early preparation for the 2026 Tour de France. The UAE Team Emirates leader is focusing on building his form following a dominant Classics season and a commanding victory at the Tour de Romandie. Unlike his rival Jonas Vingegaard, who is currently competing in the Giro d’Italia, Pogačar is already in southern Spain to begin his training block, signalling a clear intent to peak for the summer’s grand tour. The Slovenian champion will make his debut at the Tour de Suisse, starting on 17 June, as a key part of his race schedule leading up to the Tour de France. Team management has confirmed that this event will serve as a critical step in his build-up, with Pogačar aiming to join the elite group of five-time Tour winners alongside legends such as Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain. Despite speculation, his camp has denied plans to recon the challenging Collado del Alguacil climb, which will feature in the Vuelta a España later in the year. UAE Team Emirates’ sports manager Joxean Fernández Matxin emphasised that Pogačar’s focus remains firmly on the Tour de France, dismissing any distractions from other races or reconnaissance activities. The rider is expected to spend around three weeks at altitude, honing his climbing and endurance in preparation for the gruelling stages ahead. His post-Tour calendar remains under wraps, though a third consecutive road world championship title is widely anticipated. Pogačar’s early training camp underscores his methodical approach to the season, balancing race participation with targeted preparation. As the rivalry with Vingegaard intensifies, the build-up to the Tour de France promises to be a compelling narrative in the 2026 cycling season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Pogačar can maintain his dominance and add to his growing legacy in the sport.