TADEJ POGACAR (UAE TEAM EMIRATES): “NOW I HAVE A GOOD LEAD

Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates expressed his confidence and relief after extending his lead in the 2024 Tour de France. Following his dominant performance on Stage 19, Pogačar now enjoys a significant advantage in the general classification, bringing him closer to securing his third career Maillot Jaune.

“Now I have a good lead,” Pogačar stated, reflecting on his current position in the race. “It’s been a tough few weeks, but the team and I have worked incredibly hard to get here. This lead gives us some breathing room, and we can focus on finishing the Tour strong.”

Pogačar’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, with ten stage wins to his name in this edition of the Tour. His latest victory on Stage 19, a challenging mountain stage, saw him outclass his rivals with a powerful attack on the final climb. This victory has all but confirmed his dominance and left his competitors with little hope of bridging the gap.

The Slovenian rider’s success is a testament to his talent and the support of his UAE Team Emirates squad. Throughout the race, his team has played a crucial role in protecting him, setting a blistering pace when needed, and executing strategic plans to perfection. Pogačar acknowledged their contribution, saying, “My teammates have been phenomenal. Without them, none of this would be possible. We’ve faced many challenges, but we’ve overcome them together.”

As the Tour de France approaches its final stages, Pogačar is keen to maintain his lead and avoid any unnecessary risks. “We’ll stay vigilant and make sure everything goes smoothly,” he explained. “The Tour isn’t over until we cross the finish line in Paris, so we’ll take it one day at a time.”

Despite facing recent doping accusations from an outspoken football analyst, Pogačar remains focused on his performance and the support of his team. “These accusations are baseless and unfounded. I’ve always raced clean, and I stand by my results,” he said firmly.

With his substantial lead and unwavering confidence, Tadej Pogačar is poised to ride into Paris in yellow, celebrating another historic victory in his already illustrious career.