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Tour de France: “I do not consider myself as a boss”, assures Tadej Pogacar

He only finished eighth in the time trial this Saturday in Saint-Émilion (Gironde), 57 seconds behind winner Wout Van Aert, but the Tour was already won for him. At 22, Tadej Pogacar won a second Grande Boucle, which he will not have time to celebrate after arriving on the Champs-Élysées, this Sunday, because he will leave immediately for Tokyo to compete in the race in Olympic Games line July 24. The Slovenian delivered himself during the traditional press conference of the Yellow Jersey.

Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault were bosses of the peloton, which of the two would you like to be compared to?

TADEJ POGACAR. Each runner is unique. They each have their own personality. I don’t see myself as a boss. I’m just here to have fun on a bike and race.

Are you thinking of winning the Giro and the Vuelta or are you aiming for the record of five Tour victories?

There, now, I do not think of any record. Of course, I want to do the Giro and again the Vuelta which was my first Grand Tour. For now, I want to stay relaxed, enjoy Paris tomorrow (Sunday) and we’ll see what path I take next.

What are your goals outside of the Tour?

The next goals are the Olympics, then to have a vacation, to rest. I want to experience everything, even day races. I have no specific objective.

You seemed even more motivated than last year …

Last season, it was weird with the Covid-19, I couldn’t really celebrate my success. In winter, I didn’t think too much about the Tour, but I wanted to continue what I had started. I was very confident. And that was verified from the start of the event. I have always been very motivated.

What are the other differences?

Nothing has really changed. I just had a lot more media solicitations and a lot more questions this year. But otherwise, I like being at home, spending time with my friends, my family, being on my bike, nothing fancy.

Last year you were a stranger …

No one expected me to win, not even me. I would have been happy to be second. This year, I enjoyed my victory more.

Which Tour was the most difficult?

I do not know. The two are different. Last year there was less stress. This year, it was more difficult when I got off my bike with all the loads.

Could you have made bigger gaps?

No. I do not believe. I won twice in the Pyrenees, I was delighted. I couldn’t go earlier in the passes to make gaps.

You will be able to celebrate your victory more …

There is the Olympics right behind it, so there will be no celebration in Paris. We will have to wait after the Olympics. I just want to stay calm afterwards.

What are you aiming for in Tokyo?

It happens very quickly (Editor’s note: July 24). We’ll see what state I’ll be in. I don’t have much time to recover from the jet lag, plus it will be very hot, but it will be a new experience for me. I want to take this opportunity.

What was your favorite moment on this Tour?

Victory at Portet (Editor’s note: Wednesday in Saint-Lary-Soulan) after the incredible work of my teammates. This is what I remember first.

The stage victory in Saint-Lary-Soulan on Wednesday July 14, at the top of the Col du Portet, is the best memory of Pogacar on this Tour de France 2021. Reuters / Stéphane Mahé

What is your state of mind when you attack?

It’s like when I was a kid playing sports with my friends. I wanted to win. I like fighting with others even if you have to know how to accept losing. I have always tried to be happy on my bike.

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