Cold and rain, it was not a happy return on the bike for the riders after the rest day. It was also hard for Tadej Pogacar. “It was a particularly tough day. We took off in very cold temperatures and there was another fierce battle for the flight,” says the jersey wearer.
“In the first two hours it went very fast. Then it calmed down a bit, but at the end it was fireworks again. It was very hectic again.”
On the Côte d’Aspret-Sarrat, the last bump of the fourth category, it was suddenly a moment to watch out for the classification riders when Wout van Aert lit the fire. Pogacar was just like the other top 10 riders.
“I don’t know what happened on that last climb, I just followed. I had no idea what we were doing, but it was good to get the legs ready for tomorrow.”
Jumbo-Visma’s action showed that Pogacar must remain on his guard. “I always have to be concentrated, even when it’s as flat as a pancake. That’s just how cycling is done.”
The mood of the Slovenian does not suffer. With the necessary witticisms, he looks ahead to the upcoming Pyrenees stages. “Tomorrow will be the toughest day in this Tour, bring it on. I’ve explored the next 2 stages well. I know the climbs, although it might have been better if I hadn’t seen them. I’m not worried, but it will be a very difficult day.”
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