Tadej Pogacar is in an excellent position after ten Tour de France stages. However, the Slovenian knows that the tough mountain stages are still to come. “I expect a big fight.”
Pogacar enjoyed a rest day in the Tour on Tuesday with his colleagues. “I’m happy that the first ten stages are over, because it was quite hectic,” said the leader of UAE Team Emirates. The Slovenian is currently second in the general classification, 29 seconds behind yellow jersey wearer Ben Healy.
“Now our terrain is coming up and there will be less stress,” said Pogacar. “We can look back on a very good week, although João Almeida’s withdrawal is of course a huge damper. But otherwise we are in a good position in the standings. We are ready for the mountains.”
The hilly final of Wednesday’s stage is suitable for types like Mathieu van der Poel. After that, the peloton dives into the Pyrenees. The finish on Thursday is on the Hautacam and on Friday the riders will face a mountain time trial to Peyragudes.
“I expect this week to be quite decisive in the battle for the general classification,” said Pogacar. “Normally you hope to save some energy in week two, with several transition stages and maybe one mountain stage, but this year the second week is almost as tough as the final week.”
‘It will be an interesting week’
It is unlikely that Healy will stand as leader of the general classification, so Pogacar can prepare for a new duel with Jonas Vingegaard in the upcoming mountain stages. “I expect big differences in the standings,” Pogacar anticipated.
“The level in this Tour is so high. All the teams are able to ride at the front. Monday’s stage was the first really tough one and it proved difficult to control things. Then we already saw some value relationships.”
“It will be an interesting week anyway,” Pogacar concluded. “I am looking forward to the ride to the Hautacam and especially the mountain time trial. I expect a big fight for the podium places and the yellow jersey.”