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Finally his comments about retirement make sense. He was probably suffering a lot physically and mentally during the last week. However I still maintain my opinion that he wasn't that injured.
Pogacar didn't appear to have a knee injury or any other leg injury. But there certainly appeared to be some very painful bruising and contusions. And for the average person, who isn't an athlete, that would be enough reason to stop strenuous activity.
I believe Pogacar was injured but I think Wellens is exaggerating a bit. I just can't believe a rider can be so good while being so injured.
Back in 2014 and 2015, racing for his local club and doing some MTB races as well
That's not entirely true, in 2021 he became a national champion in cyclocross and a year later he was 2nd. As for the serious competitions, yeah, you're right about road only2018. I think that was the last time he competed. After that, he went to UAE and has only done road cycling.
Yes, maybe the national championship. But before 2018, he competed in several disciplines and more than one race. Although always at an amateur level in Slovenia.
Against MvdP, absolutely. Against the "other cyclocross guys", with some training and on a not very technical course, I'm not so sure he wouldn't be competitive. He probably wouldn't win but he wouldn't get destroyed, I don't believe that. At the very least he can push 50w more than guys of similar weight there, that's a lot
I heard the same thing about PR. I would like to see it.
Which could explain a hospital trip. They can't give him anti-inflammatory steroids. Swelling hurts and definitely affects the pedal stroke. I wouldn't be surprised if enough inflammation existed that they'd drain and flush the area. That would be legal and alleviate some of the pressure. Beyond that I don't know what could be accomplished that would help him, legally.
I don't really get this. Why? He's so much stronger than almost anyone in that discipline, 95% of them aren't even on the same planet. He's a fantastic bike handler. Sure, there are some technical hurdles for him, but is that really enough to make a bunch of (let's be honest) second-rate riders (minus MVDP, WVA, and TP) able to compete with him?
Maijka will definitely be missed. He's the best hill pace setter tactically and consistently. So much so he discouraged attacks when he was close to blowing himself up but his lack of "tells" kept the competition in place. Right up to the time the boom got lowered.
It's a lifelong pursuit by those guys, too. Those bike handling and tactical skills come from many, many reps. Not to mention racing among the top peer group to know capabilities. There are a dozen 'crossers that could win a WC RR if they shifted focus. Not so many GT guys that could get into the top 30 of a WC XC race.
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