Tadej Pogacar Targets Fifth Tour de France Victory

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar entered the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona as the clear favorite to win a record‑equalling fifth yellow jersey, which would place him alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. He has already claimed 13 wins this season, including Milan‑San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Liège‑Bastogne‑Liège, Strade Bianche, the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse. Pogacar said the rivalry with Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard has been “spectacular” and pushes both riders to new heights, adding that other contenders such as Remco Evenepoel, Paul Seixas and Florian Lipowitz could also challenge. Vingegaard, who feels “better and stronger” after a dominant early season, confirmed his aim for a third Tour win. Pogacar will be supported by a strong UAE Team Emirates squad, including Mexican rider Isaac del Toro and British rider Adam Yates. In parallel, a limited‑edition Richard Mille‑Colnago watch worth around €1 million was created for Pogacar, but organisers warned he would not be allowed to wear it during the race for security reasons. Cycling legend Eddy Merckx welcomed Pogacar’s chances, suggesting the Slovene could even become the first six‑time winner.