Tadej Pogačar usually finds himself outnumbered in races however the Slovenian loves a battle and likes nothing greater than to overturn the chances. It is no shock he has made the UCI Highway World Championships in Australia his main aim for the ultimate a part of the 2022 season.
Pogačar misplaced out to the mixed energy of Jumbo-Visma on the Tour de France in July however shrugged off that defeat, promised to bounce again in 2023, rested up and returned to coaching to arrange for the World Championships.
The absence of Primož Roglič and Matej Mohorič, means Pogačar will nearly single-handedly tackle Belgian, Italian, French and Australian groups on the ultimate laps of the highway race in Wollongong. But he’s nonetheless dreaming of a rainbow jersey and he proved he can win one-day races when he defeated Wout van Aert on the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal final Sunday.
“I like one-day racing, it is like playing,” Pogačar stated whereas in Canada, clearly hooked on racing and threat, taking somewhat than dropping cash.
“I am nonetheless extra assured in stage races however one-day races are enjoyable, attention-grabbing and thrilling. You by no means know what to actually count on on the day.
“The world championships is my essential aim after the Tour. One-day races for me are at all times slightly bit difficult however I am going to attempt to do my finest.”
Pogačar gained in Montréal through the use of his energy to affix the decisive breakaway of the race, then he rode to make sure the transfer stayed away and out-sprinted Van Aert within the uphill end.
It was first a tactical elimination race after which a drag race to the road, and the World Championships might find yourself similarly, with the quick however steep Mount Nice climb anticipated to make the choice in Wollongong.
Pogačar travelled to Australia immediately from Canada, flying enterprise class like Van Aert. However not like his rival, he arrived quietly in Sydney, pushing his personal bikes out of arrivals with out being mobbed by the Belgian biking media.
Pogačar rested and recovered from the jet lag, and can compete in Sunday’s time trial as successful out earlier than subsequent Sunday’s highway race. He could not problem Filippa Ganna and Remco Evenepoel however he gained the time trial stage on the 2021 Tour de France and was quicker than Filippo Ganna on this yr’s ultimate time trial stage.
On Wednesday, Pogačar celebrates his twenty fourth birthday after which turns his consideration to Sunday’s highway race.
The success of Pogačar, Roglič and Mohorič this yr meant Slovenia might have chosen a full staff however the staff lacks its typical energy and Pogačar is the one chief.
He can rely on assist from UAE Group Emirates teammate Jan Polanc, and Bahrain Victorious’ Domen Novak and Jan Tratnik however they’re the one WorldTour riders within the Slovenian staff, with Jaka Primožič from Hrinkow Advarics Cycleang and David Per of Adria Mobil additionally within the squad. Luka Mezgec can also be not a part of the staff, whereas nationwide champion Kristijan Koren declined to attend and Matevž Govekar of Bahrain Victorious has elected to as an alternative race the Below-23 race.
“In different races, you journey with the blokes you’ve got identified for 2 or three seasons however at the very least we have now a staff to assist me,” Pogačar stated, looking for a bonus on his major-nation rivals and realizing that he is not going to have an issue with inner rivals
“Possibly a small breakaway arrives or there’ll a small bunch dash, however for positive there are many potential totally different outcomes for the for the World Championships,” he predicted.
“I feel there are such a lot of riders that may win World Championships, particularly this yr. You want to have your eyes vast open and look out for all of your rivals whereas additionally taking care of your self. That is what I’ll do.”
