Tadej Pogačar Shatters Own Coll de Rates KOM, Eyes Monument Wins and Fifth Tour de France Title

Tadej Pogačar, an elite cyclist for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, recently demonstrated his exceptional form by establishing a new record on the renowned Coll de Rates ascent in Spain. This achievement, part of an extensive training regimen, highlights his rigorous preparation for the upcoming season. His focus extends beyond individual records to include prestigious Monument races and a bid for a historic fifth Tour de France victory. This early season intensity underscores his ambition and dedication to reclaiming dominance in the professional cycling world.

Pogačar's recent record-breaking performance on the Coll de Rates underscores his continued pursuit of excellence and serves as a strong indicator of his form heading into the 2026 season. His commitment to mastering challenging climbs and his strategic approach to balancing Grand Tour aspirations with Monument victories illustrate a comprehensive competitive outlook. The cycling community will keenly observe his progress as he aims to secure significant wins and further solidify his legacy in the sport.

Pogačar's Record-Breaking Performance on Coll de Rates

Tadej Pogačar, representing UAE Team Emirates-XRG, recently broke his own Strava KOM record on the famed Coll de Rates climb in Spain. He completed the ascent in an astonishing 11 minutes and 57 seconds, improving his previous record by 24 seconds, which he set just last December with a time of 12:21. This remarkable achievement took place during his team's rigorous training camp, located in a popular winter training spot for professional cycling teams. The Coll de Rates segment spans 6.43 kilometers with an average gradient of 5.5%, leading to a total elevation gain of 347 meters. Pogačar's ride was part of an extensive 226-kilometer training session, which he aptly titled "Merry Christmas and happy new year," hinting at a festive yet demanding end to his training year before the holiday break. This intense session saw him maintain an average speed of 36.8 km/h over six hours, accumulating more than 4,000 meters of elevation. Before Pogačar's current reign, the KOM was held by Peter Øxenberg Hansen of Jonas Vingegaard’s former ColoQuick team, with a time of 12:38.

In a display of sheer power and endurance, Tadej Pogačar has once again redefined the benchmark on the Coll de Rates. His latest Strava KOM, clocking in at 11:57, is a significant enhancement of his own record, showcasing his relentless drive for improvement. This notable performance was a highlight of a demanding training camp in Spain, a region frequently favored by professional teams for its challenging terrain. The 6.43-kilometer segment, with its consistent 5.5% gradient and 347 meters of elevation, is a true test of a cyclist's climbing prowess. Pogačar's record-breaking climb was embedded within a monumental 226-kilometer ride, completed in over six hours, where he sustained an impressive average speed of 36.8 km/h across more than 4,000 meters of vertical ascent. This extraordinary effort, just before the festive season, underscores his dedication. Pogačar was accompanied by several teammates, including Kevin Vermaerke, Florian Vermeersch, Domen Novak, Nils Politt, and Pavel Sivakov, indicating that the climb was likely approached as a team time trial to optimize his record attempt. This strategic approach highlights the meticulous planning behind his achievements.

Pogačar's Ambitious Season Goals: Monuments and Tour de France

Tadej Pogačar is gearing up for an ambitious 2026 season, with a clear focus on securing Monument victories and a historic fifth Tour de France title. His season is set to commence with Strade Bianche in March, followed by Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. These challenging one-day races, particularly Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, are high on his priority list, as they are the two Monuments he has yet to conquer. Pogačar openly expressed his preference for winning Paris-Roubaix over an additional Tour de France title, emphasizing the greater significance of achieving a first victory in a Monument compared to adding to his already impressive four Tour de France wins. His commitment to this goal is evident from early training, as he has already been observed reconnoitering the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix months in advance. This strategic emphasis on Monuments indicates a desire to broaden his palmarès beyond Grand Tours and cement his status as an all-around cycling legend.

For the 2026 racing calendar, Tadej Pogačar has outlined a compelling set of objectives that reflect his boundless ambition. His season will kick off in March with the renowned Strade Bianche, signaling the beginning of a relentless pursuit of cycling's most coveted prizes. Following this, he plans to compete in a series of iconic Monument races: Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Pogačar's statements reveal a particular hunger for Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, events where he has yet to taste victory. He articulates a profound desire to add these specific Monuments to his resume, even suggesting he would prioritize a win at Paris-Roubaix over a fifth Tour de France general classification. This perspective highlights a shift towards diversifying his achievements and conquering different facets of professional cycling. His proactive approach, including early reconnaissance rides on the demanding Paris-Roubaix parcours, underscores his serious intent and meticulous preparation. Ultimately, Pogačar's season will culminate in an attempt to secure a record-tying fifth Tour de France yellow jersey, but his early focus on Monument success showcases a well-rounded and deeply ambitious approach to his sport.