Tadej Pogačar kept his Pogačar Vuelta form assessment private after safely completing stage 5 of the Vuelta a España. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider retained a 3:21 advantage over Primož Roglič after a controlled day to Roquetes.
Pogačar Vuelta form remains under wraps
The world champion had been asked how his current condition compares with the level that carried him to a record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory. Pogačar paused before declining to offer a clear comparison.
“I better not say nothing,” Pogačar told Eurosport.
The answer followed his dominant ride on Tuesday’s Andorran mountain test, where he strengthened his position in the overall battle. Stage 5 offered fewer reasons for him to reveal anything about his condition, yet it still demanded attention from his team.
Pogačar was also asked whether his opening-week advantage might let him ride more conservatively later in the race. The question included the second and third weeks, plus future goals such as the world championships.
He did not suggest any major change in approach. He said any advantage helps, and that a bigger buffer can make the next stages calmer. Still, the race leader showed no sign of switching off.
UAE stay alert on the road to Roquetes
The run to Roquetes still carried possible complications. Crosswinds could have affected the finale, while the Puerto de Paüls came inside the final 30 kilometres. Pogačar and his teammates therefore stayed attentive near the front.
Pogačar said positioning mattered before the last climb, especially because the roads narrowed. UAE Team Emirates-XRG controlled the situation, keeping him out of the nervous traffic behind.
He said the day was not designed for a major move, but still called it a tough stage. He added that the team kept matters under control, leaving him happy with the outcome.
Pogačar also noted that problems often start further back in the bunch. His team chose the front instead, and he praised their work through the finale.
Brennan wins as Pogačar praises young riders
The stage victory went to Matthew Brennan of Visma | Lease a Bike. Brennan darted to his second stage win and appeared to do so with little strain.
Pogačar was then asked about the sport’s rising talent, including Brennan and UAE teammate Pablo Torres. He praised the younger riders broadly, saying the Vuelta often gives emerging names an important platform.
He also offered warm words for Torres. Pogačar described him as a very good rider and an even better person. He called Torres humble, hard-working and wished him well for the race and his career.
Castelló stage could bring another test
The Vuelta now moves toward another difficult day to Castelló on Thursday. That stage could give Pogačar another chance to add time if the race situation opens.
For now, he remains outwardly cautious about his Pogačar Vuelta form and his intentions. He said he feels good, but added that another hard stage arrives immediately and “you never know.”
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