Defending champion Tadej Pogacar expects a close duel with his main rival Jonas Vingegaard at this year’s Tour de France.
“We will see where it will be better and where I will be better,” said the 26-year-old Slovenian from Team UAE Emirates-XRG on Thursday at a press conference before the start of the 112nd tour of France.
The past five years have been “very intensive”, said Pogacar in the magnificent Grand Foyer of the Opéra de Lille: “It’s a great rivalry. This year it is the same.” Last year Pogacar had triumphed like 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 he was inferior to the Danes Vingegaard.
“I am happy to drive against Jonas again, he is in good shape. There are great moments in front of the television and on the route,” announced the world champion, which is nevertheless considered the stronger of the two exceptional athletes.
“It has been a great season so far. It is an honor to come here as a favorite,” said Pogacar.