As the Vuelta a España kicks off in Monaco on September 13, all eyes are on Tadej Pogacar, who emerges as the overwhelming favorite to claim victory. This marks Pogacar's first appearance in the Spanish Grand Tour since 2019, and he seeks to secure his seventh Grand Tour win, joining an elite group of cyclists who have won all three major European stage races.

Pogacar recently dominated the Tour de France, winning by nearly six and a half minutes, and his competitors are already feeling the pressure. The absence of rivals like Jonas Vingegaard, who is sidelined due to injury, and Remco Evenepoel, enhances Pogacar's chances of success.

Key highlights include:

• Pogacar has not lost a Grand Tour since 2023.
• He aims to be the first to achieve the Tour-Vuelta double since Chris Froome in 2017.
• Mattias Skjelmose shared insights on Vingegaard's disheartenment over Pogacar's dominance, stating, "Jonas says: ‘I can’t do any more... he just rides away from me.’"

With a lucrative new contract reportedly securing his place with the UAE Emirates XRG team until 2031 or 2032, Pogacar's motivation is at an all-time high. The race will consist of 3,275 km, featuring seven summit finishes and challenging weather conditions, particularly in southern Spain.

Primoz Roglic, a four-time Vuelta champion, acknowledges Pogacar's strength, while others like Richard Carapaz, who recently triumphed in the Tour de France, aim to challenge him.

The Netcompany Ineos team faces a poignant moment as they race in honor of Josh Tarling, whose brother tragically passed away. Oscar Onley, fresh from injury, is eager to make his mark in this Grand Tour.

Despite the competition, all signs point to Pogacar dominating the Vuelta, a setback for him would be a considerable surprise.