Tadej Pogacar had a smooth ride during the 10th stage of the Tour de France. The Slovenian leader of UAE Team Emirates was able to conserve the strength of his teammates, as there were no major challenges on the course that day. Pogacar mentioned in a press release that coming back to racing after a rest day is always a bit challenging. He emphasized the importance of being at the front of the pack during tricky situations to avoid unnecessary crashes.
The threat of crosswinds loomed over the stage, prompting all teams to position themselves at the front of the peloton. Fortunately, the wind did not pick up enough to cause any splits in the group. Pogacar expressed his relief at the outcome, highlighting the stressful nature of echelons, especially if you find yourself on the wrong side of the split.
Looking ahead to the next stage, Pogacar acknowledged that things would be different, with the route featuring challenging terrain in the Central Massif. The Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol climb, in particular, holds a special place in Pogacar’s memory. It was on this climb in 2020 that he narrowly lost to Primoz Roglic before going on to win the entire race.
While the 10th stage did not have much impact on the General Classification, Pogacar recognized that the upcoming stage would be crucial. He admitted to not having done a reconnaissance of the course but recalled the grueling finish of the Pas de Peyrol climb from his previous battle with Roglic.
As the competition heats up, riders like Jonas Vingegaard are also emerging as strong contenders for the Tour de France victory. Former champion Geraint Thomas expressed his favoritism towards Vingegaard, noting that while Pogacar is unlikely to get better, the question remains whether he will deteriorate in form.
The unpredictability of the race and the challenges posed by the varying terrains keep the excitement alive in the Tour de France. With riders like Pogacar, Roglic, and Vingegaard vying for the top spot, fans can expect thrilling battles and intense competition in the stages to come. The riders’ strategies and tactics will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the race, making each day of the Tour a test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude.