Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar will return to compete in the Vuelta a España this year, aiming to secure the only Grand Tour title that has eluded him. UAE Team Emirates confirmed the news on Monday, marking Pogacar’s first participation in the race since 2019. The 27-year-old, who has won the Tour de France five times and claimed the Giro d’Italia earlier in 2024, is expected to be one of the leading contenders in the 21-stage race starting on August 22.

The Vuelta will begin in Monaco, Pogacar’s hometown, adding a personal element to the event. During his debut appearance at the Vuelta in 2019, he finished third overall and won three stages, a performance that announced his arrival on the international cycling stage. Reflecting on his return, Pogacar expressed enthusiasm for revisiting the race, describing Spain as a country he enjoys racing in and viewing the event as a crucial target for the remainder of the season.

The rider acknowledged the strength of his UAE Team Emirates squad and their collective ambitions for the race. Success at the Vuelta would position Pogacar to join an elite group of cyclists; winning both the Tour de France and Vuelta a España in the same year has been achieved by only three riders previously. Additionally, victory would bring him closer to the rare feat of winning all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España—across a career, a milestone reached by just eight cyclists before him.

With his recent Tour de France victory, Pogacar enters the Vuelta in strong form, poised to make a significant impact on the late-season race.