Tadej Pogačar was questioned about his dominance and the suspicions it has sparked earlier than Il Lombardia but additionally talked about his hopes and ambitions for his ultimate race of 2024.
The UAE Team Emirates chief is concentrating on a fourth consecutive victory that may equal Fausto Coppi, who gained the Italian Monument 4 consecutive occasions between 1946 and 1949.
Pogačar insisted he’s not in Tour de France kind however after taking a break after his third yellow victory and lacking the Olympics, he appears the strongest and freshest rider within the peloton. He dominated the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France and kicked off his season with an 80km solo assault at Strade Bianche. Now he desires to deliver down the curtain on the 12 months with the twenty fifth win of the season.
“I’ve stopped counting the victories. I simply flow, with the second, from race to race. I’m attempting to have a superb time with the crew,” Pogačar insisted on Friday afternoon after extending his ultimate coaching journey within the Bergamo hills.
“These are good races and I’ve good condition. I’m feeling good on the bike, so why not preserve racing till I can? With the world champion’s jersey, I can take pleasure in these races much more. I’m prepared to provide it my all one final time, to go full gasoline.”
Pogačar refuted a suggestion that it might be a much bigger shock if he did not win Il Lombardia.
“In biking, it is by no means simple to win, so I’d by no means be stunned if I do not win,” he mentioned modestly.
“The essential factor for me is to benefit from the race, so I hope for good climate. It’s not the tip of the world, if I get a nasty end result, or even when I do not end.”
Remco Evenepoel seems to be Pogačar’s largest rival however has admitted he’s operating out of vitality after an extended, onerous and profitable season. Primož Roglic, like a lot of others, has already ended his season, Tom Pidcock is a late and shock non-starter after apparently being deselected by Ineos Grenadiers.
Other riders appear resigned to combating for the rostrum spots alongside Pogačar.
“This week was perhaps not the best for him however if you happen to’re not mentally ready for the tip of the season and to race depressing climate, it is onerous,” Pogačar mentioned of Evenepoel.
“I feel Il Lombardia is completely different. He’s mentally prepared for the large one, so I feel he’ll give it a superb go.”