Interview: Politt on Pogačar: "Many people can take a leaf out of his book"

Overall winner Tadej Pogačar was still busy with countless media appointments, while his team-mate and noble helper Nils Politt was already looking after his family on the team bus and reviewing this year's Tour de France with his loved ones. The 31-year-old's efforts over the past three weeks, covering almost 3300 kilometres, were clear to see.

For Politt, his ninth participation in the Tour of France ended in 75th place, making him the fourth-best German behind shooting star Florian Lipowitz (3rd), Emanuel Buchmann (30th) and Maximilian Schachmann (68th). Much more important for the UAE Team Emirates - XRG team player, however, was the yellow jersey for Pogačar, which the Slovenian won for the second time in a row thanks to Politt.

"The lust and humour he has for cycling is simply insane," said the man from Cologne about "Pogi", who is just one Tour victory away from equalling legends such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx or Bernard Hinault. TOUR also spoke to Politt about...

... winning the yellow jersey again from Tadej Pogačar:"Of course, it feels really good to be back and to have won the second tour with Tadej. It's been a lot of fun over the last three weeks. But I also have to say that it was the hardest tour I've ever ridden. Something came up every day. It was extremely tough, especially with the last four days in the Alps and the rain."

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... the reasons for the ever-increasing strain on the pros at the Tour of France: "Due to the start in Lille and the proximity to the coast, there was a lot of wind right at the beginning. We also travelled through many small towns with lots of traffic islands. A high level of concentration was required. Sometimes the route is okay for the legs, but it's hard on the head. There were one or two sprinter stages, but there were also stages like yesterday (20th stage from Nantua to Pontarlier, the ed.)in which 100 kilometres were ridden at full throttle until a leading group emerged. Many teams naturally feel the pressure and want to win a stage. Of course, they do everything they can to be successful."

... Tadej Pogačar's missed stage win on the Champs Élysées: "The lap in Paris was extremely difficult. The rain made it technically demanding and dangerous. You could hardly see anything at times. Through the avenue and over the cobblestones - that was quite a challenge. A sprint royale on the Champs Élysées is probably the better ending for the spectators."

... Tadej Pogačar, who didn't allow himself a moment of weakness and confidently took his fourth Tour victory: "What he did again today... He always finds the motivation to ride to the front and win stages. The desire and mood he has for cycling is simply amazing. Many people can take a leaf out of his book."

>> Criticism of arrogance: Pogačar defends Politt

>> Praise for the "giraffe": Pogacar raves about German helper

... his personal achievement as Pogačar's noble helper: "I am very, very satisfied. I repeated last year's performance and helped the team with the things I could help with."

... the return to Paris after last year's Tour de France ended with an individual time trial in Nice: "That was much nicer (grins)."