Tadej Pogacar Favourite to Win Giro Debut, Contador Believes He Can Take Men’s Cycling to New Heights

Tadej Pogacar, the 25-year-old UAE Team Emirates rider, is set to make his Giro debut and is already being touted as the favourite to win the maglia rosa. His impressive performances in the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021 have caught the attention of cycling legend Alberto Contador, who believes Pogacar has the potential to take men’s cycling to new heights.

Contador, a two-time Giro winner himself, spoke highly of Pogacar’s abilities, stating that it will be difficult for anyone to beat him if he remains free from sickness, crashes, or mechanical issues. Pogacar’s all-round skills in climbing, time trials, descents, and even in bad weather conditions have impressed Contador, who sees him as a dominant force in the sport.

While Pogacar will face stiff competition from riders like Jonas Vingegaard in the upcoming Tour de France, Contador believes that the Slovenian rider has the potential to achieve great things in cycling. He even suggested that Pogacar could attempt to win all three Grand Tours in the same season, a feat that has never been accomplished before.

However, not everyone shares Contador’s optimism. Vincenzo Nibali, another cycling great, believes that winning all three Grand Tours in the same year is unlikely for Pogacar. Nibali pointed out the uncertainty surrounding Vingegaard’s recovery from a recent crash as a potential obstacle for Pogacar’s ambitions.

As the Giro d’Italia approaches on May 4, all eyes will be on Pogacar as he looks to make his mark on the prestigious race. With the support of cycling legends like Contador and the talent to match, Pogacar is poised to continue his dominance in the world of cycling and potentially make history in the process.