Tadej Pogačar has delivered a resounding statement of intent ahead of the Tour de France, dominating the Tour de Suisse with a victory margin not seen in 67 years. The Slovenian sensation finished six minutes and 32 seconds clear of his closest rival, signaling formidable form as he targets a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title.
Pogačar’s performance in Switzerland was a masterclass in control and power, securing three stage wins across the five-stage race, a departure from the usual eight. His dominance was evident from the outset:
- He launched a 71km solo attack on stage one, claiming the race lead and an immediate two-and-a-half-minute advantage.
- He narrowly won stage four’s time trial by just four hundredths of a second ahead of Mathieu van der Poel.
- On the final day, Pogačar solidified his general classification victory by catching and passing Lenny Martinez to claim another stage win.
Refined preparation and an eye on history
This year, Pogačar has adopted a more streamlined approach to his season, competing in fewer races than in previous years. He has amassed 13 victories in just 16 starts, a stark contrast to his average of 24 pre-Tour race days over the past six editions. This focused preparation appears to be paying dividends, with Pogačar feeling stronger than ever.
“During the training camp (in Sierra Nevada), there’s a climb I tested last year… I had set a very good time there. I told myself: Wow, I’ll never be able to go faster than that. And this year, just for fun, I told myself: Well, at the end of the camp, I’ll go back. And finally, I was significantly faster this year. So yes, from a training perspective, I would say I’m stronger,” Pogačar told Cycling Pro Net. He has also reportedly learned to assimilate high temperatures more effectively over the last two years, a crucial skill for the summer Grand Tour.
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Pogačar’s current trajectory draws parallels to Eddy Merckx, who also won the Tour de Suisse in 1974 before claiming his fifth Tour de France title. Should Pogačar succeed, he would join an elite club of five-time winners alongside Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Induráin, and Jacques Anquetil.
UAE Team Emirates ready for the challenge
While Pogačar’s individual form is undeniable, the strength of his UAE Team Emirates squad will be vital. The team showcased its depth at the Tour de Suisse, with Felix Grossschartner, Tim Wellens, Nils Politt, and Brandon McNulty all finishing within the top 15 of the time trial. The expected Tour de France roster includes Politt, Wellens, Adam Yates, and Isaac Del Toro, who will make his Grand Tour debut.
Belgian champion Tim Wellens highlighted the team’s cohesion, telling L’Équipe, “It’s mainly thanks to Tadej because he instills confidence in everyone and makes the group strong, united.” However, the team will be without Joao Almeida, who is reportedly out of form, and the injured Marc Soler.
The Tour de France Grand Départ is scheduled for July 4 in Barcelona. Pogačar’s chief rival, Jonas Vingegaard, presents a different challenge, having completed 36 race days this season, including a victory at the Giro d’Italia. Pogačar, who won last year’s Tour by four minutes and 24 seconds, now seems primed for another intense battle.
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