Vingegaard's Problem is That Pogačar Is Still Improving
Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tadej Pogačar is expected to contend for his fifth Tour de France victory, starting in Barcelona.
- Analyst Davide Cassani believes Pogačar's strength increases annually, posing a significant challenge to rival Jonas Vingegaard.
- Cassani anticipates a close race but emphasizes Pogačar's continuous improvement as the key factor.
In just one week, the global cycling community's attention will turn to Barcelona as Tadej Pogačar begins his pursuit of a fifth Tour de France title. Among the many experts anticipating his success is Davide Cassani, a former Italian cyclist and national team selector, now a respected commentator for RAI television.
Cassani shared his insights during an interview at the European Journalism Championships for Cycling (EMCC) in Rimini. He suggested that while the competition at the top could be tighter than in recent years, Jonas Vingegaard's primary challenge lies in Pogačar's consistent year-on-year improvement. "The battle for the top could be closer than in recent years, but Vingegaard's problem is that Pogačar gets a little stronger every year," Cassani stated.
The battle for the top could be closer than in recent years, but Vingegaard's problem is that Pogačar gets a little stronger every year.
"I think he is stronger this year than last year, so it will be a big challenge," Cassani added, highlighting Pogačar's evolving capabilities. This continuous development suggests that while Vingegaard remains a formidable opponent, Pogačar's upward trajectory presents a significant hurdle for any rider aiming to dethrone him in the upcoming Grand Tour.
I think he is stronger this year than last year, so it will be a big challenge.
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.