Pogacar Gears Up for Tour of Switzerland Ahead of Tour de France Challenge

World champion Tadej Pogacar is set to make his debut at the Tour of Switzerland this week, using the five-day race as his final preparation before attempting to claim a fifth Tour de France title. With an impressive track record, Pogacar is considered the overwhelming favorite, leading many to wonder not just about the race outcome, but about his current form.

“Training has gone very well, both individually and as a team,” Pogacar remarked, expressing confidence as he approaches the opening stage on Wednesday. “And I'm arriving at the Tour of Switzerland feeling strong and motivated,” he added.

This year, Pogacar has taken a less intense approach to racing, participating in only 11 race days thus far, with plans for five more during the Swiss tour. In contrast, his chief rival, Jonas Vingegaard, has already competed in 36 races, including victories in the Giro d'Italia and Paris-Nice. Despite his limited racing, Pogacar has secured nine wins compared to Vingegaard's seven.

However, an important aspect to watch will be Pogacar's weight. He gained some extra kilograms earlier this season to prepare for the challenging cobblestone races of the Spring Classics, where he achieved a notable victory in the Tour of Flanders. He will need to shed those pounds before the Tour de France begins in less than three weeks.

Since the conclusion of the Tour de Romandie in early May, where he claimed four stages and the overall title, Pogacar has enjoyed a period of rest. Despite not being at his peak during that race, he managed to secure a narrow victory over German competitor Florian Lipowitz.

Pogacar remains unbeaten in week-long stage races since 2021, and as he heads into Switzerland, he may face competition from seasoned riders like Primoz Roglic, who has not won any races in over a year. Other contenders include Tom Pidcock, Richard Carapaz, and teammates Antonio Tiberi and Lenny Martinez, all of whom will likely vie for podium positions behind Pogacar.