SerpApi.Org
Once again beaten on Tuesday by Remco Evenepoel in the Tour de France time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains, Tadej Pogacar paid tribute to the Belgian, whom he called a “legend” of the discipline.
Seeing Tadej Pogacar beaten twice in a row by the same opponent is still a rare enough scene to be worth noting. Second in the time trial behind Remco Evenepoel, the Yellow Jersey (UAE Emirates-XRG) was quick to pay tribute to the Belgian, whom he described as a “time-trial legend.” Perhaps still struck by his rival’s performance, the Slovenian even almost knocked over his water bottle right at the start of his press conference, before already turning his attention to the upcoming stages in the Alps.
After his win at the Plateau de Solaison (Sunday) and again on Tuesday in the time trial, Remco Evenepoel seems to be getting stronger and stronger as the race goes on. To what extent do you see him as a threat?
He’s been a contender since day one, obviously. But yes, I had good legs today (Tuesday). It’s just that he’s a time-trial legend. I think he’s among the greatest, without a doubt. And there’s no shame in finishing second behind Remco. So, in the end, I have to be happy with the result. Of course, I wanted to go for the win today. I had the legs to do it, but he was simply stronger. Now I’m looking ahead to the next few days in the Alps.
read also
Why Remco Evenepoel’s aerodynamic position is almost perfect
After Jonas Vingegaard, another overall contender crashed heavily on Tuesday: Florian Lipowitz. Do you have a word for him?
I’m sad for him. He’s been really solid since the beginning and I think the third week would have suited him particularly well. For his team (Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe) too, it was interesting—they could have played two important cards (with Remco Evenepoel). Florian is a good guy. I’m sad to see him leave the Tour, especially today. Crashing like that in a time trial is really awful. I hope he can recover quickly and I wish him the best.
It’s pretty unusual to see you lose to the same opponent two days in a row. Does that give you even more motivation for what’s next?
I always race to win and today, I’m not going to lie, I really wanted to get the best out of myself and try to take the win. I was very motivated. I had good legs but he was better. It gives me a little more energy for the next few days to go and get another win.”
read also
