In the dress rehearsal for the Tour de France, which begins in two and a half weeks’ time, cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar demonstrated his excellent form with an impressive display of power. At the opening stage of the 89th edition of the Tour de Suisse, the 27-year-old claimed victory after a solo breakaway, confirming his status as the clear favourite for the overall victory in Switzerland.
Just under 70 kilometres from the finish, the Slovenian launched an attack and rode alone at the front from then on. The four-time Tour de Francewon the first stage – a 144-kilometre route around the town of Sondrio in Italy – with a lead of 2 minutes and 14 seconds over the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz and 2 minutes and 29 seconds over the Italian Andrea Bagioli.
“That was definitely not the plan. But somehow it worked out. Thanks to my team-mates,” said Pogacar about the attack.
Changes to the stage structure of the Tour de Suisse
Instead of eight stages, this year’s tour will consist of just five stages. As well as Pogacar, fans’ attention is also focused on the former world champion Mathieu van der Poel from the Netherlands. Sunday’s queen stage in Villars-sur-Ollon will bring the tour to a close. The route includes three ascents of the Col de la Croix.
At the Tour de France, which begins on 4 July in Barcelona, Pogacar will be aiming for his fifth Tour victory. He will face competition from his long-standing rival Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark, the German rising star Florian Lipowitz and the French prodigy Paul Seixas.
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