Two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar, currently second 10 seconds behind the yellow jersey Jonas Vingegaard, said on Monday he “understands” that “people are wondering” about their two performances because of the “past” of cycling.
“We ride fast, we go full throttle every step of the way. I understand that people question themselves because of the past. They are worried about it and it is something that I can completely understand, ”assured the Slovenian, questioned about the doubts aroused by their domination during a videoconference during the second and last day of rest.
The duo have crushed the competition since the start of the Great Loop, relegating the third to almost five and a half minutes after 15 stages. Or double the gap between the yellow jersey and Geraint Thomas at the same stage last year. Their two teams, Jumbo-Visma and UAE-Emirates, clearly dominate with two riders each in the Top 6.
“I am asked this question every year during the Tour and I do not see any difference with recent years”, judges Pogi in line with his rival the day before.
“It’s true that we are going fast, even faster than them,” Jonas Vingegaard admitted at a press conference, referring to past champions convinced of doping.
“Equipment, nutrition, training, everything has changed and that explains why performance is improving. But it’s good to be skeptical,” said the Dane. “Because otherwise it will happen again.”
