The Slovenian super duo Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic are dominating the cycling season at will, leaving the competition increasingly desperate.
With their victories in the traditional races Tirreno-Adriatico (Pogacar) and Paris-Nice (Roglic), the two pros not only sent a clear signal for the Tour de France, but also for the upcoming classics.
"There's not much you can do when he's only riding in second gear. He's not even breathing while everyone else is panting," said Simon Yates about Roglic. The Brit finished second 29 seconds behind Roglic at Paris-Nice and had attacked the 32-year-old several times with other rivals on the way to the Col de Turini on Saturday - in the end Roglic won with ease. On the final stage on Sunday, Roglic was still wheezing during a small weakness, but was able to rely on the help of noble helper Wout van Aert.
Pogacar "in his own league"
Resigned words were also heard on the Italian Adriatic coast: "Tadej was simply incredible when he attacked. He was in his own league," said Jonas Vingegaard after Pogacar's demonstration of power on the penultimate stage. The young Dane finished second at Tirreno-Adriatico and already knows the feeling of having no chance against Pogacar. Vingegaard also finished second at the last Tour de France. "I wouldn't say I'm unbeatable. Things have gone well so far. New challenges await me in the next races," said Pogacar.
According to provisional planning, Roglic and Pogacar will meet for the first time this season in the Milan-Sanremo classic on Saturday. Fans can expect a show on the famous Poggio, the last hill just before the finish. Unless, of course, Pogacar decides to launch an attack 50 kilometres from the finish, as he did at the Strade Bianche, which simply nobody can follow.
Milan-Sanremo is one of the five monuments of cycling that Pogacar once stated as a career goal. He has already won the Tour of Lombardy and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. In addition to Milan-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders are still missing. Pogacar has registered for the latter this year. Allegedly only to prepare for the cobblestone stage of the Tour de France.
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