Tadej Pogačar, the cycling sensation, has done it again! He's smashed his own record on the iconic Coll de Rates climb in Spain, leaving everyone in awe. But this time, there's a twist!
The young Slovenian cyclist, who has already made a name for himself in the sport, conquered the famous climb in an astonishing 11 minutes and 57 seconds, shaving off a remarkable 24 seconds from his previous record set in December 2023. This new feat was achieved during a casual Friday ride, making it even more impressive.
The Strava segment, a popular cycling app's verified route, measures 6.43km with an average gradient of 5.5%, accumulating a total elevation gain of 347m. Pogačar's achievement is not just a personal victory; it's a testament to his dedication and the intense training he's been undergoing with his team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
And he wasn't alone on this adventure. Pogačar rode alongside his teammates, including Kevin Vermaerke, Florian Vermeersch, Domen Novak, Nils Politt, and Pavel Sivakov, who are all gearing up for the upcoming season. The Coll de Rates is a renowned testing ground for professional cyclists, and it seems like Pogačar and his team are setting the bar high for 2026.
But here's where it gets interesting. Pogačar's focus for the upcoming season is not solely on stage races. In a recent media day, he revealed a surprising preference, stating, "I'd choose Roubaix over a fifth Tour title." This statement is bound to spark debates among fans and experts alike. With four Tour de France victories under his belt, is Pogačar ready to shift his focus to the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix?
As Pogačar prepares for a packed season, starting with Strade Bianche in March, followed by the iconic Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the cycling world eagerly awaits his performance. Will he continue to dominate the Grand Tours, or will he surprise us with a new strategy? Only time will tell, and the anticipation is thrilling!
