The Tour de France season is underway, and the stars are already aligning for a thrilling race. Tadej Pogacar, the reigning champion, has just wrapped up a stellar spring campaign, claiming victories at Strade BIanche, Milano-Sanremo, Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liége, and Romandie, with four stage wins to his name. His only setback was a second-place finish at Paris-Roubaix, where Wout Van Aert took the win. Pogacar's dominance is undeniable, and his recent activities suggest he's already gearing up for the upcoming Tour de France.
In a recent development, Pogacar and his rival, Isaac del Toro, were spotted exploring the route of the Tour de France's 14th stage in the Vosges mountain range. This stage, set for the eve of another crucial Alpine stage ending at the Plateau de Solaison, promises to be a challenging one. The duo was seen climbing the Grand Ballon, one of the six categorized climbs on this stage, which will also feature an ascent to the Ballon d'Alsace and the Col du Haag before finishing at the plateau at Le Markstein.
This isn't the first time Pogacar has shown his dedication to the Tour de France. He was also spotted in the Haute-Savoie region, tackling the climb to the Plateau de Solaison, which marks the end of the stage. These explorations are a strategic move, allowing Pogacar to familiarize himself with the course and potentially gain an edge over his competitors.
Del Toro, on the other hand, has had a different spring, winning the UAE Tour and the overall classification at Tirreno-Adriatico. He was set to compete in the Ardennes classics and Itzulia Basque Country but suffered a crash and leg injury, which didn't impact his summer plans. Del Toro will race the Tour Auvergne - Rhône Alpes in June, while Pogacar will take on the Tour de Suisse.
The 14th stage of the Tour de France is a tricky one, and Pogacar's proactive approach to exploring the route is a testament to his commitment to the race. His victories in the spring and his strategic explorations suggest he's a force to be reckoned with this year. As the season unfolds, the excitement builds, and the question remains: will Pogacar's dominance continue, or will a new champion emerge?
