BARCELONA, Spain - Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar begins his quest for a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title Saturday in Barcelona.
The 27-year-old aims to join cycling legends Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain and Eddy Merckx with five victories. Pogacar, who won the last two editions, enters after dominant season performances including Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders and Tour de Suisse victories.
"The Tour de France is always the biggest challenge of the season," Pogacar stated.
Jonas Vingegaard represents his primary rival. The Danish rider has swept Paris-Nice, Tour of Catalunya and Giro d'Italia this season, seeking to match Pogacar's 2024 Giro-Tour double achievement.
"A third Tour victory would be a dream come true," Vingegaard said.
France's Paul Seixas adds intrigue. The 19-year-old prodigy makes his Tour debut after winning Tour of the Basque Country and Fleche Wallonne, giving France its biggest home champion hope since Hinault's 1985 victory.
The 3,320-kilometer route features 53,950 meters of climbing across 21 stages.