the slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE)second overall Tour de France 10 seconds from danish Jonas Vingegaardpredicted an exciting week in the rivalry with the Nordic rival, where he showed his respect for the rest day, where he is confident and “in a good situation”.
“I would have signed before the Tour to get to this situation at this stage of the Tour. This year I feel more in control than the previous two. This time, I didn’t throw all the bombs, but one by one, and each. time at the top, one hundred percent to go to recover seconds”, said Pogacar on the second day of rest.
On his state of form, Pogacar admitted that “it remains to be seen in the third week of the race.”
“My legs feel good, that’s the most important thing. I’m happy where I am. The effect of the effort on my body remains to be seen after the Tour. Maybe I’ll rest a little after,” he said.
For Pogacar, the importance of Tuesday’s time trial will be key to the Tour’s final podium.
“After the time trial we will evaluate the situation. In any case, the remaining two mountain stages will be tough, everything will be decided for the final score. An exciting and very interesting last week awaits us, ” he says.
The double champion of the Tour de France managed a few weeks ago the time trial route and the stage on Wednesday, where the Col de Loz will be climbed.
“I know the time trial and the Col de la Loze stage. But I also know the Markstein stage. I know the region, the roads, so I know what awaits me. It will be very difficult. From a profile point of view , Wednesday’s race will be the hardest, everything is concentrated on the Col de la Loze. Here you have to save your legs for the last climb”, he commented.
When asked about the relevance of the psychological battle between him and Vinggaard and their respective teams, the Slovenian downplayed this factor.
“I don’t think he plays a big role. Everyone is focused on themselves at the moment and thinking about themselves. Jonas makes a great impression, he’s not nervous at all in the peloton. He’s very strong this year. We’ll see , it won’t be easy. The legs will decide everything,” said the Slovenian.
Finally, Pogacar predicted a great rivalry with a rival he respects a lot.
“I like this third week and the duel with Jonas. It’s a great challenge, I have a lot of respect for him,” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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