Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread

[Peyroteo94]

His overall climbing level has been lower this year. Either because of his classics campaign or clinical reasons like Vingegaard.
But 2024 Pogacar > 2025 Pogacar

In GTs for sure. Not in classics. I still think his MSR performance one of the most insane performances ever.

 

[Cycling111]

Yes but this race is too flat.

But he wasn't feeling his best. I wouldn't make a big drama for this. Let's wait for Montreal. Perhaps it's also because he's been focused on the time trial and is struggling to get back into shape for a few more days.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

underwhelming? it was the exact same thing as last year in quebec (only difference is this year he simply stopped caring in the end)

Pogacar had some monstrous pulls and his first uphill acceleration dropped everyone (they caught him on s shallow part though). I think he's in a good form. Not thermonuclear but on the right form trajectory.

 

[Monsi]

This is a normal build up to the bigger races later in the month. Problem is, Pogi is not normal.

Well yeah. In the end, his biggest goals for autumn are the Worlds and Lombardia so he's peaking for those. Maybe won't be in peak shape yet for Montreal.

 

[Krzysztof_O]

His overall climbing level has been lower this year. Either because of his classics campaign or clinical reasons like Vingegaard.
But 2024 Pogacar > 2025 Pogacar

To me, more important is his relative performance vs other guys and it's been really good this year (smaller to Vingo at the Tour but Vingo was better prepared this time). In classics he's also been very strong (plus awesome cobbles campaign which he missed last year) but no WC/Lombardy level of domination (time will tell how it ends this year, those races are still ahead). As for absolute level, as you said, it's not allowed to discuss reasons here.

 

[Rou]

The question is will he show up to this crit race again next year? I hope he doesn't obsess with this meme race like San Remo.

 

[CatchyH]

This was such a strange race from the whole team. Looked all over the place. Almost seemed like Pogacar let the wheel go out of frustration. Whether it was from the lack of legs or the questionable tactics is hard to say but probably a bit of both.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Worlds start in 9 days, he doesn't have time to build his shape. He probably misses some miles and will be better in 2 days.

 

[rafa92]

Pogacar had some monstrous pulls and his first uphill acceleration dropped everyone (they caught him on s shallow part though). I think he's in a good form. Not thermonuclear but on the right form trajectory.

I see him in perfect trajectory, he's around the same shape he was last year at this point

 

[Cycling111]

Worlds start in 9 days, he doesn't have time to build his shape. He probably misses some miles and will be better in 2 days.

There were similar comments in Quebec last year. Oh, and Hirschi could beat him in Zurich because he was winning smaller races in Italy.

 

[Monsi]

Well for Montreal, at least UAE's strategy is much simpler. Make it hard. Narvaez hard leadout on the climb then Pogi attack and hope he's solo.

 

[Cycling111]

By the way, this year is different. He wants to compete in the time trial. He's had to adjust his training.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Montreal is an easy win. If he doesn't win, something is wrong with his shape.

 

[Valv.Piti]

The question is will he show up to this crit race again next year? I hope he doesn't obsess with this meme race like San Remo.

Pog likes the Canadian classics, and if you do Montreal, you do Quebec as well. Its great training honestly, you get back in the bunch, pretty technical circuit, pretty attriotional, pretty hilly. Basically just what you need ahead of Worlds. Just because he does this race year after year doesnt mean he obsesses over it.

 

[Cycling111]

Next year the WC is in Canada, so it's even more important to return. Preliminary training in the area

 

[fenns]

McNulty did not seem very helpful today

 

[CatchyH]

McNulty did not seem very helpful today

I rewatched some of the highlights and the main mistake from my pov was keeping Sivakov in the front group. They should've either told him to go back to the peloton to help chase or wait for Pogacar at the top of the climb right after his attack. They semi failed (2nd place is still pretty good i guess) because they wanted to keep their eggs in both baskets. Maybe they thought Pogi would bridge the gap on his own but the gap was 30 seconds which is quite a lot.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Next year the WC is in Canada, so it's even more important to return. Preliminary training in the area

Next year he will race the Vuelta

 

[Cycling111]

Next year he will race the Vuelta

They say that every year

Next year he won't race the Vuelta, because WC is in Canada

 

[Peyroteo94]

They say that every year

Next year he won't race the Vuelta, because WC is in Canada

His agent said that.

 

[scribers]

New rule. The current vuelta has to be over before declarations about next years participation begins.

 

[Cycling111]

His agent said that.

Gianetti said during the Tour that Pogacar would do the Vuelta, weeks before. The agent is saying it a year before.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Yates and Narvaez were uselesses today.

 

[Cycling111]

Yates and Narvaez were uselesses today.

Maybe Narvaez is not in shape, he has decided not to go to Rwanda.

Adam has been in a bad shape all year. If he doesn't improve next year, they shouldn't take him to the Tour.
Since his contract renewal, his performance has declined.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Likely just a prep for Sunday and besides, without phenomenal Alaphilippe UAE rider would likely have won.