Tour de France: Tadej Pogacar refuses to be stressed
DPA
· 01.07.2022
Tour de France title defender Tadej Pogacar is letting the pressure roll off him. Anything other than a third victory in the Tour of France would be a surprise.
Tadej Pogacar took the rare opportunity for a little flirtation: "You look wonderful in your dress. Can I have your number?" the 23-year-old Tour de France top favourite asked the presenter of the team presentation with a rascally grin.
Pogacar deeply relaxed before Tour de France start
Deeply relaxed and in a great mood, the defending champion from UAE Team Emirates shortly before the start and won the hearts of the Danes at Copenhagen's Tivoli amusement park with some light-hearted remarks: "I hear there aren't many mountains here and you like potatoes." The crowd roared.
This lightness has long been Pogacar's trademark, and he will want to carry it through the three-week ordeal through the Alps and Pyrenees again. "We will smile until the end, no matter what happens," emphasised Pogacar. The only way he could lose his permanent grin would be to miss out on a third Tour victory. However, anything other than another triumph on the Champs-Élysées in Paris would be a surprise. Pogacar presented himself too light-footed, too untouchable at the last Tour and also this year. The Slovenian took part in three tours - and won all of them.
Corona as a danger for Pogacar?
The biggest danger for Pogacar is invisible. Because the new coronavirus wave is also affecting the peloton. It was only on Wednesday that Pogacar's Helper Matteo Trentin left the race before the start due to a positive test. After all, the experienced and strong Trentin was supposed to protect Pogacar in the dangerous first week.
The world governing body UCI has Corona rules even relaxed. Instead of PCR tests, only rapid tests are now required, and if two riders in a team test positive, the entire team does not have to pack up as before. In addition, a rider can theoretically remain in the race even if they test positive - if they are proven to be symptom-free and not contagious. "We have tightened up the rules within the team again and are also wearing masks on the bus again," said German veteran John Degenkolb.
Who can beat Pogacar?
Pogacar will be hard to beat on the 3346.6 kilometres of road over 21 stages. "He is a true cycling prodigy," said two-time Tour winner Alberto Contador. The 39-year-old Spaniard now works as a TV pundit and particularly admires Pogacar's lightness of touch. "Tadej can deal with enormous stress as if it doesn't interest him at all. He acts as if it's the most normal thing in the world. And I know from my own experience that pressure can be a real challenge."
Nevertheless, Pogacar wants to stress the competition wherever possible. First and foremost the team Jumbo-Visma with chief challenger Primoz Roglic. The Slovenian has last year's runner-up Jonas Vingegaard at his side and an immensely strong team with various options for attacks. "We firmly believe that we can beat Tadej," said Roglic. The 32-year-old is slowly running out of time and his dream of winning the Tour is in danger of being shattered.
Another podium candidate is the Russian Aleksandr Vlasov in the service of the German racing team Bora-Hansgrohe. "I hope that I can compete for victory here," said Vlasov. Alongside Pogacar, the 26-year-old is the best tour rider this year. However, he lacks time trial skills, which doesn't bother Vlasov too much: "The Tour will be decided in the mountains."
There, however, he needs a more secure hold on the bike than at the team presentation. During the spectacle, the climbing specialist took a slight tumble, resulting in abrasions to his knee and elbow. "It was only a minor fall," emphasised Vlasov. It will help him in the 13.2 kilometre opening time trial on Friday not hinder.
Stage 1 points the way ahead
Nevertheless, the short chase through Copenhagen's city centre has great significance. Roglic and Co. have to set an example against the dominator Pogacar, even if they only gain a few seconds. This is the only way they will be able to put pressure on Pogacar. The first tough mountain stage will not be until next Friday on the up to 24 per cent steep ski slope to La Super Planche des Belles Filles.
The nine German pros will probably not play a role there. Most of them are involved as helpers, while riders such as Lennard Kämna, Maximilian Schachmann and Nils Politt are also hoping for breakaway victories on undulating terrain.
Bahrain-Victorious keeps Tour de France in suspense
Away from the racing action, the team Bahrain-Victorious the tour spectacle continues. On Thursday morning, the team hotel and vehicles were searched by the Copenhagen policewhich followed a request by our French colleagues.
According to a team statement, nothing was confiscated. The homes of riders and team members had already been searched on Monday and there was also a raid during the Tour last year. Results are not yet available.
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