Tadej Pogačar admits he is getting tired at a hectic Tour de France... but he thinks his rivals are too
The UAE Team Emirates man had his lead cut on stage 14 - but he still had a superior advantage
![Tadej Pogacar](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gXPUNWdf7CD48TWZmJcy9b-415-80.jpg)
Ahead of the stages that will decide the 2021 Tour de France, current leader Tadej Pogačar has confessed that he is feeling the effects of the intense racing.
The defending champion was in imperious form during the race's opening week, building an advantage before the first rest day that will probably prove to be insurmountable
He showed a few signs of weaknesses on the double ascent of Mont Ventoux last Wednesday, and with the multiple Pyrenean stages on the horizon, the UAE Team Emirates rider cannot deny that he is feeling less like he did a week ago.
Guillaume Martin's brave attack on stage 14 means that he has rocketed himself up to second in the general classification and now sits 4-04 adrift of Pogačar, a reduction in the Slovenian's lead of 1-14.
It probably won't prevent the 22-year-old winning yellow for the second successive year, but he's cautious.
Asked how much energy is left in the peloton, he said: "I think there's not much left. Especially after today, the first 20 minutes there were four guys attacking but not everyone was happy so then we had a lot of attacks coming.
"It was like this for two hours. I think everyone is getting tired.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"It's hard to make a breakaway and we will see in the next days how others feel.
"Maybe it's just me thinking that everyone's tired because I am a little bit, but we will see."
Although he has a substantial lead that can most probably only be eroded through him cracking under pressure or falling, he is aware of the fight for the final podium places.
"I think the top-10 is really dangerous because two to eight [they are really close]. I think it's really interesting and it's not hard to [move up] if you attack or go in a breakaway," he said.
Stage 15 sees the race finish in Andorra, the site of a memorable win in the 2019 Vuelta a España when he was just 20-years-old.
He added: "Tomorrow is a great day in Andorra. I have good memories from two years ago as it was my first Grand Tour win and my girlfriend was there.
"I am always happy to go back to Andorra and tomorrow is an exciting stage. All of the next days are. I think we are ready. We are confident."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine, about motor doping in cycling.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.
-
Star triathlete Taylor Knibb to take on world's fastest cyclists in the Olympic time trial
Colorado-based 26-year-old Taylor Knibb will be representing Team USA in both the individual time trial and triathlon at the Paris Olympics.
By Kristin Jenny Published
-
Ellen van Dijk 'can't unclip from pedals' after breaking ankle, but will still race Olympic time trial
'Walking is more difficult than cycling,' said Dutchwoman who fractured ankle six weeks ago
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tadej Pogačar broke 288 Strava KOMs during Tour de France victory
Slovenian won his third Tour title in Nice last weekend, and picked up a host of new trophies on Strava
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Primož Roglič reveals he suffered back fracture in Tour de France crash
Slovenian abandoned race after being caught up in crash on stage 12, Vuelta a España participation now in doubt
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
It's time to stop expecting so much of Ineos Grenadiers at the Tour de France
The British team are always under pressure to match their past best, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon
By Adam Becket Published
-
'A bigger result than winning': Jonas Vingegaard hails second place at the Tour de France
It turns out second place is not always 'first loser'
By James Shrubsall Published
-
'Even if I never come back to the Tour de France I will be satisfied': Tadej Pogačar revels in third victory
Three Tour de France wins before turning 26, the Giro-Tour double, the suggestion of a triple crown. Records tumble for the Slovenian
By Adam Becket Published
-
Remco Evenepoel: No one should doubt me anymore
The Tour de France's third-placed finisher suggests that he will have to reduce his time trial work if he is to beat Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tadej Pogačar: 'There will always be doubts... but cycling is the cleanest sport'
Tour de France champion addresses critics, saying it would be "super stupid" to dope
By Adam Becket Published
-
How Tadej Pogačar created history and won the Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double
A journey that was supposedly fraught with risk and uncertainty was anything but for Giro d'Italia and Tour de France victor Tadej Pogačar
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published