Tadej Pogacar has not yet reached his physical peak, UAE Emirates team manager Mauro Gianetti says.
“He’s still so young. He’s still 26 and we know that riders can improve physically until at least their thirties. It’s also necessary that he continues to develop, because the competition does that too. I think that’s especially true for guys like Remco Evenepoel, and the young guys who are coming up.”
“It’s been an incredible season. He’s been able to execute his plan since last winter. We’ve been working towards the Strade Bianche, which he managed to win very dominantly right away, followed by Milano-SanRemo. For Tadej, it’s a dream to ride that race, but it’s also tactically difficult to win. He was able to show his dominance again in Catalunya and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
“And then the big goal finally followed: the double Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. That went so well, so convincingly. It’s difficult for us to realise what he’s achieved, because it’s unprecedented.”
“That was very important, especially for morale. But also to see that his body is growing, that he can still improve physically. That was perhaps the most important signal to himself. Both mentally and physically”.
“And of course we must not forget that the Tour de France is important. The previous two editions were won by Jonas Vingegaard. A fantastic champion, a real fighter who won twice by showing fighting power. To finish ahead of him again this year is important”.
“We knew that Vingegaard would not have the chance to start the Tour 100% this year, like Tadej had last year, but we knew that Vingegaard was going to be good. He had a solid preparation, but not 100%. You can assume that next year it will be a big battle again.”
