Tadej Pogačar is making a noticeable shift in his approach, with his team saying his presence makes ambitious tactics easier to execute as he starts a high-altitude training camp focused on the Tour de France.

Tadej Pogačar has entered a new phase of his 2026 campaign, with his team describing a clear “cycle change” as the world champion shifts focus from the spring Classics to the Tour de France. Following his successful run at the Tour de Romandie, the Slovenian star has now begun an altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada to prepare for the upcoming Tour de Suisse and Tour de France.

According to UAE Team Emirates-XRG sports manager Joxean Matxin Fernandez, the team deliberately designed a customised programme around Pogačar’s ambitions. The plan allowed him to prioritise one-day races early in the season before transitioning into Grand Tour preparation. That strategy already delivered major victories in races such as Tour of Flanders and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, while he also came close to conquering Paris–Roubaix.

Matxin explained that Pogačar arrived at Romandie carrying more muscle than his usual Grand Tour build because his earlier training had been tailored toward the physically demanding Classics campaign. Even so, the adaptation phase reportedly went smoothly, reinforcing confidence ahead of cycling’s biggest race in July.

The UAE boss also praised Pogačar’s extraordinary versatility, saying his talent makes it easier for the team to attempt ambitious goals. He described the Slovenian as the favourite in virtually every race he enters, including demanding events that fall outside his natural comfort zone, highlighting his willingness to attack difficult challenges head-on.