Pogacar: “I have to arrive alone”

Only fourth in the Tour of Flanders after leading the race last year, Tadej Pogacar told the press that his only chance of winning the “Round” will be to clean up around him before the home stretch.

Tadej Pogacar does not intend to miss victory in the Tour of Flanders. On the occasion of his first participation in the classic contested between Bruges and Oudenaarde last year, the leader of the UAE Team Emirates team had seen victory slip away from him in the sprint, finishing fourth Mathieu van der Poel, Dylan van Baarle and Valentin Madouas, while he had not stopped attacking in the many mountains bristling the second half of the course. While he will once again try his luck this Sunday on the 273.4 kilometers and the 19 difficulties on the program, the double winner of the Tour de France confided during a press conference that he has a limited tactical range if he wants to go for the win. ” I must have my best legs and I think I have to arrive alone. It’s crucialthus affirmed the native of Komenda. It will be very difficult, but if you choose the right time, it could be possible. »

Recon day in Flanders
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Pogacar: “I cannot limit myself to a single plan”

But if the competition will be tough, with Wout Van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel who are also ready to do battle after a first round in the E3 Saxo Classic, the Slovenian does not want to rule out the other candidates for victory. ” I can’t just focus on them eitherhe added. It would be a mistake. If he admits a lack of knowledge of the route, Tadej Pogacar confided that the ascent of Vieux Kwaremont, which will be on the program three times with the last ascent located 17 kilometers from the finish, could be a tipping point. . “It suits me better than the Paterberg, because it’s too short for me,” added the Slovenian. But II can’t limit myself to just one shot, because a lot can happen in a six-hour race on such a course.. And the legs also decide. I already feel good. “It is therefore a Tadej Pogacar ready to do battle who will be at the start this Sunday, enough to offer a lively race.