Explained: Pogačar returns to the Spanish Vuelta in pursuit of a rare double and elusive treble

Tadej Pogačar is returning to the Spanish Vuelta after a seven-year absence.

Grand Tour

One of cycling's three major three-week stage races: the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España.

Vuelta

Short for Vuelta a España, Spain's premier multi-week professional cycling race.

Individual time trial

A race format where cyclists ride alone against the clock rather than in a group.

Hat trick

Winning all three Grand Tours—Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España—in a career or season.