‘Why should I be worried?’ - Tadej Pogačar still fearless ahead of Tour de France time trial
Just one more test separates Pogačar from his second Tour de France victory


Tadej Pogačar’s confidence only continues to grow in the Tour de France 2021, as he asked ‘why should I be worried’ ahead of the upcoming time trial.
Pogačar claimed his second consecutive stage victory in the mountains on day 18, once again outsprinting Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) to take the day.
There is just one test separating Pogačar from his second Tour de France title, as he must defend his five-minute advantage in a 30km time trial on stage 20.
When asked if he had any fear heading ahead of the time trial, Pogačar said: ‘Why should I be worried?
“It’s a discipline I always want to do my best in and give 100 per cent. Sometimes you can have a really bad day in a TT. It will be a new experience and I can’t wait.”
Pogačar was untouchable again on stage 18 on Luz Ardiden, marking out moves from his rival and eventually attacking himself to take his third stage win of this year’s race, after victory in the stage five TT and the summit finish on stage 17.
After the mostly flat course on day 20, just one general classification test remains before Paris, a 30.8km, mostly flat, TT from Libourne to Saint-Émilion.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
With 5-45 to his nearest rival Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma), Pogačar looks to have the race sealed, but there are no guarantees in the Tour de France.
In last year’s Tour, Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) lost a one-minute advantage and the yellow jersey to Pogačar on the stage 20 time trial, in one of the most remarkable Tour de France turnarounds in memory.
>>> Why have there been so many solo stage winners at the Tour de France 2021?
When asked if the same could happen this year, Pogacar said: “Let’s hope not, but maybe. You can lose six minutes on a TT. It’s happened before, but I feel 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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
Tom Pidcock’s Q36.5 receive Giro d’Italia wildcard invite along with Tudor Pro Cycling
Team Polti Visit Malta and VF Group BardianiCSF - Faizane also receive invitations from RCS
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Be seen all year round with 35% off Magicshine bike lights in the Amazon Big Spring Sale
This is your last chance to seize a deal on some of the best bike lights with daylight running features. Act fast, as the sale ends at midnight tonight
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-
Extra wildcard team approved for Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España
Number of teams to increase from 22 to 23 at men's Grand Tours
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard out of Volta a Catalunya after Paris-Nice crash
Visma-Lease a Bike say two-time Tour de France winner needs more time to recover from wrist injury sustained in France last week
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'We've all got a little bit extra in us this year' - Ineos Grenadiers recapture 'fighting spirit' with aggressive Paris-Nice display
British team continue to put tumultuous 2024 behind them with momentum and a new found mentality
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Matteo Jorgenson aiming to 'set the bar higher' and target a Grand Tour after securing second Paris-Nice title
American explained that targeting a win in one of the sport's biggest three-week races was now the logical next step in his career
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Matteo Jorgenson rules out Tour de France leadership after Jonas Vingegaard's withdrawal from Paris-Nice
The American is on the cusp of a second consecutive victory at the Race to the Sun
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Could a TotalEnergies deal be the end of Ineos Grenadiers as we know them?
Reports suggested this week that Ineos could be close to signing a deal with the French petrochemical firm
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Why is Jonas Vingegaard wearing a special helmet at Paris-Nice?
The two-time Tour de France winner’s new helmet is part of a sponsorship deal that will see him wear the lid throughout the year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'When he starts his Tour preparation, we’ll then see Jonas 2.0' - Jonas Vingegaard heads to Paris-Nice almost at full strength, coach says
Tim Heemskerk says the Danish star is not interested in outside noise as he attempts second stage race win of the year
By Tom Thewlis Published