Tadej Pogacar has responded to recent criticism over the fact that UAE Team Emirates has proven to be dominant in cycling.
Tadej Pogacar secured his 3rd stage victory at the Giro d’Italia this Saturday in Prati di Tivo during the opening week, but admitted to feeling a bit off. During the press conference, the wearer of the pink jersey revealed he had a congested nose.
“It seems I have some nasal congestion, maybe due to allergies or something,” said the UAE Team Emirates leader after his sprint victory in Prati di Tivo. “But it doesn’t bother me much. I believe it will be fine.”
Pogacar responds to critics
During the press conference, Pogacar also stated that he understands the frustration of other competitors regarding the dominant performance of UAE Team Emirates and himself.
“Of course, other cyclists are frustrated, but I race for a team that pays me and my teammates to help me win,” he said.
“They have worked very hard for this Giro and have shown that they are so strong that we can win. So, if I hadn’t won, all that hard work they did would have been in vain.”
Many also believe that Pogacar is one of the clear favorites to win the Tour de France this summer. He has always been a favorite, but his chances have been boosted since several of his major competitors have suffered serious crashes.
Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic have all been involved in severe crashes. Vingegaard, who has won the Tour de France for two consecutive years, sustained a broken collarbone, several broken ribs, and a punctured lung, which could limit his prospects at this year’s Tour de France.
