Tadej Pogacar sounded an ominous warning to reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, and will be operating at the peak of his powers when the race gets underway on Saturday. Ahead of the event, live on Eurosport and discovery+, Pogacar had reflected on his Giro d’Italia success and provided an insight into his preparations for the Tour.
‘A rider for the history books’ – Relive Pogacar’s stunning 2024 Giro d’Italia triumph
Tadej Pogacar is heading into the Tour de France in fine fettle after winning this year’s Giro d’Italia, claiming he has “never felt so good”.
The two-time Tour de France winner is ready to kick on after that Giro success and cannot wait to return to Italy, with this year’s Tour beginning in Florence, live on Eurosport and discovery+.
He said in an interview with UAE Team Emirates: “I’m really looking forward to the start of the Tour. I think it’s going to be a special start for me because I won the Giro, and the Tour starts in Italy, so I think it’s going to be amazing!
“It’s looked like I’ve made a step forward since the Giro, and my shape is even better than what I expected. I’ve done some good training, and I’ve tested my legs a little bit and, to be honest, I have never felt so good on the bike.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing if I have improved in the race situations from the Giro, but I feel good, so I cannot complain!”
The UAE Team Emirates rider immensely enjoyed his first Giro success, which he secured in dominant fashion.
He finished top of the general classification standings by 9’56” – the biggest margin of victory in the race for 59 years.
“Winning the Giro d’Italia was an incredible experience, one that I will always cherish,” he added.
“It meant a lot to me as it was my first time at the Giro. To win in the way we did, was one of my biggest wins so far.
“I was happy I got to celebrate with the team, they were with me for the three weeks and the training camps before. They mean a lot to me, we’re like a family, and it was a special moment with them. I really enjoyed it, it was incredible!”
