Tadej Pogačar plots Alpine assault but skips Alpe d’Huez caravan this time

Tadej Pogačar has confirmed he’s already plotting his Alpine Classics campaign for 2026-but this time he’s leaving his team car at home when he tackles Alpe d’Huez.

What’s the plan?

Pogačar told reporters on 19 July that he’s eyeing the spring one-day races in the Alps, starting with Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Flèche Wallonne. But he’s ditching the usual convoy of cars and staff that normally follow him up iconic climbs like Alpe d’Huez. The Slovenian star said the change is part of a broader reset aimed at simplifying his race-day routine ahead of the Tour de France defence.

Why skip the car?

The two-time Tour de France winner said the caravan adds logistical weight without giving him a real edge on the road. He pointed to past editions where he felt the entourage became more distraction than help. Pogačar added that he wants to feel lighter-both mentally and physically-when he lines up against rivals like Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel. The trio are expected to clash again in the Ardennes Classics next spring.

What’s next for Pogačar?

He’ll ride Alpe d’Huez next week as part of a training block, but without the usual support fleet. After that, he heads to the Swiss camp for altitude work before reconnoitring Liège-Bastogne-Liège in early April. Pogačar’s camp frames the shift as a bid to sharpen his focus before defending his Tour title in July. The Slovenian hasn’t raced since winning the 2025 Tour de France in July 2025 and is easing back into competition with targeted block efforts.