the slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates) is happy with his successful debut of the 2023 season because, in addition to his solo success in Classic of Jaén Inner Paradisehis team achieved third place with Tim Wellens and fourth with Marc Hirschi.
“Everything went perfect. I’m very happy to start the season with a victory. I’m very happy that the team worked well. It’s a fairy tale ending for us, with third and fourth place, as well success too It’s perfect!” said Pogacar on the goal of Baeza.
A victory that was the product of the team’s strategy and the last shot of the double winner of the Tour de France, fulfilling the forecast that he was given as a favorite.
“The plan was to attack which I did. We decided after yesterday’s recce. The teamwork was perfect and the teammates put me in a perfect position to do it. Tim Wellens made great job getting to the gravel section and then Marc Hirschi finished configuring it,” he explained.
Once in the lead, Pogacar’s exhibition began in the last 42 km of the route.
“Then it was just a matter of using all the strength I had in my legs for the last 2km of the climb. Everything went according to plan as I managed to stay on my own until the end. It was a perfect start to the season,” he said..
Despite suffering a puncture with 8km to go, Pogacar maintained his lead and overtook Baeza alone, just in time to enjoy his first victory of the year.
“The puncture in the last kilometers? It was a scary moment! I was lucky to have a big lead on the chasers, so it wasn’t as stressful as it could have been,” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
