Tadej Pogačar expresses confusion at 'strange' tactics of Tour de France rivals
The Slovenian will face the two biggest battles of the race on Wednesday and Thursday

Tadej Pogačar has defended the tactics and performances of his UAE Team Emirates colleagues at the Tour de France, attempting to deflect criticism onto other teams.
Despite leading the race by more than five minutes from Rigoberto Urán of EF Education – Nippo and with just three days left to re-order the general classification, criticism has been levelled at Pogačar’s team for isolating him in the mountains.
His team, however, protected him well on stage 16 and as he has repeated in the past two-and-a-half weeks he was eager to thank his team-mates.
This time, though, he also wanted to express his confusion at other teams.
“A lot was said against my team, or our team. How weak we are or strong we are,” the 22-year-old said.
“Actually we are the best team here for sure. And other teams here didn’t employ their best tactics yet.
“We didn’t see much action yet from other teams. Maybe they are saving themselves for tomorrow.
“Today we saw EF trying to push at one moment but it was only downhill so that was a bit strange.”
Despite being another climb-laden stage in the Pyrenees on Tuesday, no time gaps appeared between the GC riders and when asked if he believes his rivals are saving themselves for the summit finishes on Wednesday and Thursday, he suggested that could be the case.
“Well for sure they are focusing on tomorrow rather than today,” he added.
“Today was not a profile which would suit big GC gaps. Tomorrow for sure they will try because it’s the hardest day in the Tour.
“If someone feels super good they can make a difference on the guy who feels super bad. I don’t know what the gap might be but we will do everything we can to defend the yellow.”
Two big climbs come before a summit finish at the Col du Portet on Wednesday, offering not just Pogačar’s rivals one of three last chances to reduce their deficit to him, but also the man himself an opportunity to increase his already substantial lead.
The route, though, is unforgiving, him knowing from past experience. “I did a recon of [the routes of] tomorrow and the day after, so I know the climbs,” he revealed.
“It would be better if I hadn’t seen them! [But] I’m not worried about the climbs, but I know it will be a very hard day."
Thank you for reading 5 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
Chris first started writing for Cycling Weekly in 2013 on work experience and has since become a regular name in the magazine and on the website. Reporting from races, long interviews with riders from the peloton and riding features drive his love of writing about all things two wheels.
Probably a bit too obsessed with mountains, he was previously found playing and guiding in the Canadian Rockies, and now mostly lives in the Val d’Aran in the Spanish Pyrenees where he’s a ski instructor in the winter and cycling guide in the summer. He almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains.
-
-
How to stop 'spring knee' pain from hampering your summer cycling season
Knee pain is common among cyclists - we explain some of the causes and how to address them with help from a coach, bike fitter and osteopath
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
10 best ways to make your bike more comfortable
Don't suffer in silence, there are plenty of ways to improve the comfort of your bike
By Zach Nehr • Published
-
Chris Froome: Being competitive at Tour de France would be a 'dream scenario'
The Israel-Premier Tech rider on being back at his normal level, appreciating his past, and aiming to have form late into the season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tom Pidcock: 'Of course I want to try to win the Tour de France'
After signing new contract with Ineos Grenadiers, British rider says he can lead wave of young riders at team
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel aims to ride Giro d'Italia and Tour de France this year
Dutchman is continuing his comeback from injury at Coppi e Bartali this week
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Geraint Thomas 'will be very happy going to the Tour de France as a support rider', says Ineos Grenadiers' Rod Ellingworth
Ellingworth also backs the team to start winning big once Lady Luck falls their way
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Richie Porte won't ride Tour de France because he 'didn't enjoy pressure' of 2021 edition
The Australian will instead ride the Giro d'Italia as he seeks enjoyment in his final year of racing
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Jack Haig is working on his time trial as he aims for Tour de France overall after Vuelta podium
There will be 53km worth of time trialing at the 2022 French Grand Tour
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
'I don’t want to end my time with the regret of not ever trying': Julian Alaphilippe wants to try and win Tour de France before retiring
The double world champion will focus on the Classics in 2022 but still has an eye on the French Grand Tour
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Egan Bernal aiming at Tour de France victory in 2022
The former winner abandoned last time he raced the Grande Boucle in 2020
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published