https://www.tuttobiciweb.it/article...acar-pogacar-colnago-pogacar-tour-pogacar-uae
This is an interview that Pogačar gave to Tuttobiciweb the day where he went to the Colnago Museum.
It's written in italian so I'll try to translate (probably badly
) what he said apart from the first question where he practically says that he prefers to do the interview in english, that he likes Italy and also knows italian, but he feels embarassed to speak italian in the interview.
Did your life change after your Tour the France win?
I'd say no, I am just getting more attention. Apart from that I have the same home, same girlfriend, same passion for cycling.
It's known that the most difficult thing is to reaffirm yourself (as TDF champion).
It's true and is also clear that I'll have this responsibility, but If I miss it, amen, It wouldn' t be a tragedy. You turn the page and go forward.
You are only 22 years old, but do you have in mind to race two Grand Tours in the same season ?
It's known that the possibility of a double Giro-Vuelta is much easier, because you have more time to recover from the effort, while If you go all in for the Tour you have practically no time to recover. In any case this is a decision that will be taken collectively from my technical staff.
If I'll go to the Giro? I don't know precisely. It's clear that sooner or later I'd like to be there, and with great expectations.
When did you start to believe in the Tour win?
I went in France convinced that I could do well and most importantly I believed that I could do a very good GC. Then progressing I realized almost immediately that I could have done great things, but the realization of winning came only when Primoz concluded the TT behind me.
Do you like one day races?
Sure, and this year at the Liége, I was even close to win it (3°). Yes, in my palmares I also want to have some nice Monument.
What do you like to do when you are not racing?
I spend a lot of time pedaling and resting. I love to watch Tv series on Netflix like ''La Casa de Papel'' and also like to go for a walk with Urška
Have you ever thought that it could come a moment where everything goes wrong?
For now everything went very well, I was lucky, but I know that I won't be like this forever, but I also know that I have at my side people that loves me and that they will surely help me overcoming the most difficult moments. We only hope that this won't be needer: so that we will only share the joys.
Do you have any champion of the present or the past that inspired you?
I don' t have any idol, I liked Lance Armstrong, the Schleck brothers and Alberto Contador.
However I am me and I only want to be myself and follow my own road.
Do you like other sports?
I really like basket: I always liked a lot Shaquille O' Neal
Who is more popular? You or Doncic?
Certainly Doncic, for now...
In cycling, duels were always the spice of racing. You and Roglic could revive this tradition...
We are two very different riders, and not only for the age (Roglic is 31 years old, ndr), but we really respect each other. Sure, we are two athletes that are always trying to do our best, so in the coming years we will confront each other mano a mano, like we have already done.
What did you gift to yourself after your win in France?
Before the Tour I was telling myself: If I win a stage, I will buy a new car. Then I won three stages. I won the Tour. I won the white jersey and the polka dot and then I said to myself: I'll gift me only some peace and quiet.
The best gift that you received?
I received a lot of gifts and they were all very nice. But the one from Davide Formolo, my teammate, was the most welcome: a delicious cake. It was surely needed.
What do you feel in being in the Pantheon of cycling, with Merckx...
Unbelievable.
Fabio Aru is struggling since a few years to go back to his old level, did you get an idea of the reason ?
I don' t have an answer. Although I can say that Fabio is a nice guy, with whom I have a good relationship. I' m convinced that he' ll go back to performing at high levels, because he is tough and talent doesn't evaporate.
Nibali today (yesterday, ndr) turns 36: will he still be dangerous for you and the ''Nouvele Vague'' that is moving forward?
To Vincenzo I wish him happy birthday: he is great. An exemple for us all. It's true, a new generation of riders is progressing steadily, but his generation, will make us suffer a little bit more, you will see.
What is your relationship with your bike?
Very good: I love it like crazy. It's a Colnago. I also trust my mechanics: they are very good. There' s only one thing for me left to do: go fast.
What is the secret of a country like Slovenia that produces world class champions in every sport?
I think that everything originates from a very important school structure. In Slovenia sport activity is strategic, and the results are showing.
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