Pogacar Rules Out Participation in the 2025 Vuelta a España
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, who recently became champion of the Tour de France, will not participate in the 2025 Vuelta a España. The competition will take place from August 23 to September 14, according to his team, UAE Team Emirates. The United Arab Emirates team confirmed the list of riders who will participate in the prestigious Spanish race, where the name of the four-time Tour de France champion is not included.Pogacar expressed his desire to compete in La Vuelta, recalling his participation in 2019, where he obtained third place.“After such a demanding Tour, we decided that the best thing was to take a break,” stated the Slovenian cyclist.
Tadej Pogacar
The Slovenian star will take a break before returning to competition in North America. He plans to lead his team in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, both races in Canada, during the month of September.“Of course, the Vuelta is a race I would love to return to. I have fantastic memories of 2019, but now my body is asking me to rest,” declared Pogacar.
Tadej Pogacar
UAE Team Emirates Riders in La Vuelta a España
Despite the absence of Pogacar, the UAE Team Emirates will be represented by eight riders, led by the Portuguese rider João Almeida. The team is completed by Mikkel Bjerg, Felix Großschartner, Domen Novak, Ivo Oliveira, Marc Soler, and Jay Vine. Juan Ayuso, of Spanish nationality, will act as co-leader alongside Almeida. Ayuso returns to La Vuelta with a podium in his history, achieved in 2022.“La Vuelta is a very special race for me, my home race. I have been training well, I feel good and I am 100% focused on having a good race for the team. It is always an honor to race at home and I will give it my all to make it worthwhile, whether it’s helping the team or fighting for my own result. Spain always brings out the best in me,” Ayuso expressed.
Juan Ayuso
