What for a long time it was considered virtually impossible in modern cycling, winning the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year, looks again possible in Tadej Pogacar’s mind.
“My form is better than expected,” Pogacar warns his competitors. “After the Giro I took the time to relax. I was back in Monaco quite quickly after the Giro. When I got home, I was actually eager to ride my bike again. I soon felt good again and was quickly back on the bike to train.”
However, Pogacar has also taken the time to recharge the batteries.
“It is very important to switch off every now and then. Mental recovery is very important, just like physical recovery. It is important to find the right balance. It is important to take a rest every now and then. I like to hang out at home with friends, eat ice cream or go to a restaurant. I also watched a lot of good series.”
The two-time Tour winner is now ready to race again and give the best of himself in the battle for yellow jersey.
“I’m really looking forward to the start of the Tour. It’s a special start, as I won the Giro and the race starts in Italy this year. It seems that I am even better since the Giro. My form is better than I expected. I trained well, tested my legs a bit and to be honest, I have never felt so good on the bike.”
“Jonas was of course seriously injured, but I think he was able to prepare well. We have to take into account a scenario in which he will start in top form.”
“Remco and Primoz were doing well in the Criterium du Dauphine. Perhaps the Dauphine arrived a little too early for Remco, but Primoz was already in good shape. I think they will all perform at a top level. I expect a very competitive Tour, although of course you can never be completely sure.”
“People expect me to win the Tour every year, but that has not been the case in recent years. Of course, there is always pressure to perform and win. After all, the Tour is the biggest competition. I become more mature every year, I learn from my mistakes and experiences.”
