Two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, who is currently second 10 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard, the yellow jersey, said Monday he “understands” that “people are upset about theirs because of cycling’s ‘past’ both achievements are surprising.
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“We drive fast and give full throttle with every step. I understand that people question themselves because of the past. They’re worried about that and I can totally understand that,” assured the Slovenian, when asked about the doubts raised by his dominance during a video conference on the second and final day of rest.
The duo have crushed the competition since the start of the Great Loop, cutting stage three down to almost five and a half minutes after 15 stages. Or double the gap between the yellow jersey and Geraint Thomas on the same stage last year. Their two teams, Jumbo-Visma and UAE-Emirates, clearly dominate with two riders each in the top 6.
“I’m asked this question every year during the tour and I don’t see any difference to the last few years,” judges “Pogi” in line with his rival from the day before.
“It’s true that we’re fast, even faster than them,” Jonas Vingegaard admitted at a press conference, referring to past champions who believed in doping.
“Equipment, nutrition, training, everything has changed and that explains why performance is improving. But it’s good to be skeptical,” said the Dane. “Because otherwise it will happen again.”