“I look forward to everything to end”explained Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) with our colleagues from The team Before this 19th stage between Albertville and La Plagne, who saw the Dutchman Thymen Arensman (Ineos grenadiers) to win. In a rather quiet step compared to that between Vif and Courchevel the day before, the yellow jersey of this Tour de France had to control most of the last ascent of the day, even attacking multiple times to try to escape alone as he had done on the terrible slopes of Hautacam a week ago. Less incisive, more calculating in his decision -making, the world champion did not go to seek his 5th victory on this Tour. The Komanda ogre spoke at a press conference following this 19th stage marked by rain and cold.
“I just hope to arrive in Paris with the yellow jersey …”
Today, I was going to congratulate you, but let's wait a few more days. After your fourth stage victory on this round, you said there would be no gifts. Yet today, we felt like you were not really going to seek victory, right?
I don't know … In the end, I had the kilometers. Arensman was really fine. I hoped to be able to impose a rhythm in which I felt comfortable. If someone attacked in my wheel, I could still react. That's why I had to ride a certain look, but Arensman was stronger. So, a hat, he was really, really strong. I had to keep the tempo. In the end, I am happy with the way we ran today. And now, the mountain stages are over.
It was the last mountain stage, and you looked fairly calm. Did you expect this, or a different strategy from your opponents?
Yes, we wanted to play the stage victory today because we felt strong, we were good collectively. But in the end, some runners think they can sprint from the bottom to the top on a 19 km climb (laughs). So we left thoroughly, then no one wanted to take over. I attacked. I thought we could go to the top with Jonas (Vingegaard), and Arensman was there too. But then he attacked, I tried to keep my rhythm … and Arensman was stronger.
Do you feel strong enough to aim for victory in Paris, on the Montmartre circuit?
I just hope to arrive in Paris with the yellow jersey. If you have good legs, you have a good team for the circuit. But there, I do not feel hyper energized at the idea of thinking of Sunday race. It will be a very nervous course, so I think it will be difficult. We'll see what's going on on Sunday. But tomorrow may one day be even more important.
You said you had the kilometers. Is it because you are tired … or because you are bored? You sometimes have the impression that this turn no longer interests you.
No, I'm obviously tired. And it's not an easy turn. I was attacked on all sides, from the first day until now. You have to stay focused and motivated. So yes, priority is the yellow jersey. I counted the kilometers because I was driving at my own pace, hoping that no one attacks the rear. Sometimes we just count the kilometers until arrival, that's how it is.
