Tadej Pogacar is already cemented as one of the greatest riders of his generation. With four Grand Tour victories and six Monuments to his name, the 26-year-old Slovenian has built an extraordinary career. However, one prestigious title still eludes him—the rainbow jersey of World Champion.

This year’s UCI World Championships in Zurich might just be his best opportunity yet.

"The chance is there... It's always been there," Pogacar told Cyclingnews following his dominant solo victory at the GP Montréal last Sunday. "Last year, I was third on a course that didn’t suit me, and this year the chances are bigger."

The 274km road race in Zurich, with nearly 4500 meters of climbing, is perfectly designed for a rider like Pogacar. The steep inclines and relentless elevation changes suit his abilities as a climber who excels in tough, punishing conditions.

Since turning pro, Pogacar has consistently shown his versatility, winning both Grand Tours and one-day races. He’s emulated cycling legends like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault by claiming Monuments like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia, and this year he secured his third Tour de France win following his Giro d'Italia triumph. Now, with the World Championships looming, he’s eyeing his first rainbow jersey—an accolade Merckx, Fausto Coppi, and Hinault all achieved during their legendary careers.

"This is the best World Championships course for me so far," Pogacar remarked. "That’s why I’m more excited than ever. But it’s the World Championships—if everything doesn’t go perfectly, it’s hard to win."

Pogacar will lead a strong Slovenian team, with Primoz Roglic riding alongside him. Still, Pogacar is expected to be the team’s focal point as he battles fierce competition from defending champion Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, and many of the sport’s top riders.

As Pogacar noted, this race won’t be decided by individual talent alone. "Remco [Evenepoel] for sure, Van der Poel can do it also," he said. "France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain all have strong teams. We need to be careful." With so many powerful nations involved, strategy will play a critical role. "It’s going to depend on my team and the other teams—how they will race, because it should be really open in Zurich."

While recent World Championships courses have favored punchy, Classics-style riders, Pogacar’s all-around skillset has always kept him competitive. He came close last year, finishing third on a course that didn’t suit his strengths. But this year in Zurich, the climber’s course could finally give him the edge he needs.

"The goal is Zurich, the wish is there, the dream too," Pogacar said. "If it doesn’t happen, there are still other chances, but the sooner you do it, the better."

Pogacar’s determination to claim the rainbow jersey is unmistakable. If anyone can conquer the tough roads of Zurich this Sunday, it’s Tadej Pogacar.