Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast Pogačar’s 2026 Plan: Genius or Risky & Can Onley's Surprise Transfer Save INEOS? | LRCP Weekly #26
Dec 16, 2025
Tadej Pogačar's surprising 2026 race plan raises questions about his targets and preparation. The hosts delve into Remco Evenepoel's early-season calendar and the risks of choosing between classics. They also discuss Ineos's new recruit, Oscar Onley, debating whether he'll be a long-term Grand Tour solution. They analyze potential Giro and Tour lineups, including riders like Almeida and Pedersen's ambitions. Plus, insights on team reconfigurations and the future of various cyclists enhance the conversation.
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Pogačar's Monument-First 2026 Plan
- Tadej Pogačar targets major one-day monuments and the Tour, skipping smaller stage races to focus on peak events.
- His 2026 calendar (Strade, Sanremo, Roubaix, LBL, Romandie, Tour) signals prioritising monuments and selective race-days over volume.
UAE's Clear Leader Hierarchy
- UAE Team has clear role division: Pogačar for Tour and monuments, Del Toro and Almeida covering other Grand Tours and one-week races.
- This structure lets them allocate leaders across Giro, Vuelta and one-week targets strategically.
Plane Stunt Flops, Pithy Steps Up
- Bora's launch video staged a plane takeoff stunt that initially failed and required improvisation by team members.
- Patrick highlighted Pithy's sudden leadership on the shoot, likening his behaviour to a rugby flanker driving the team to success.