Superstar Tadej Pogačar professed himself to be surprised at his dominance at the Vuelta a Andalucia last week as he won three of the race’s five stages.
Throughout the week the Slovenian seemed to be shocked at how far ahead of the competition he was. Having won stage one at an apparent canter he said, “I’m surprised a little bit, I knew I’m good but it is a surprise that I’ve won two races already,” referring to his near 40km solo victory at the Jaén Paraíso Interior (a sort of Spanish Strade Bianche), just two days earlier.
He’d echo that sentiment when he sat atop the podium at the end of the five days of racing in Spain, adding: “In this race I felt really strong and I hope I feel as strong for the next races.”
Whether he should have been as shocked is another question. The challengers to Pogačar in Andalucia were not, with all due respect, of the calibre he will likely face at the Tour, with Mikel Landa and Santiago Butrago, both of Bahrain Victorious, filling out the podium, and Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) and Enric Mas (Movistar) making up the rest of the top five.
But Pogačar’s performance indicated that whatever opposition he faces in this form, he definitely is the man to beat this year as he rides a startling wave of success.
This story is from the February 23, 2023 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 23, 2023 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike