Pogacar Hints at Defensive Tactics for Mountain Stage
Pogačar Ready for Tour de France’s First Major Climbing Test After almeida’s Exit
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Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates are braced for a meaningful shift in tactics as the Tour de France heads into its first major mountain stage, following the withdrawal of key support rider João Almeida. The Slovenian superstar, currently holding the yellow jersey, acknowledged the increased pressure and the team’s singular focus on defending his lead.
Almeida’s Departure Reshapes UAE’s Tour de France Strategy
The news of joão Almeida’s withdrawal due to illness has sent ripples through the peloton and, more substantially, within the UAE Team Emirates camp. Almeida, who had been a crucial lieutenant for Pogačar, was forced to abandon the race after stage 9. His absence leaves Pogačar with fewer dedicated climbing domestiques for the demanding stages ahead.
“Our tactics will change,” confirmed UAE Team Emirates-XRG Manager Mauro Gianetti. “All the team will back Tadej now and so that’s our only tactic. of course we’re focused on the goal. We have the yellow jersey and lead by a minute.It’s not a huge lead but it’s significant. in modern cycling it’s a good chunk of time. It’ll be up the others to attack and then we’ll defend the yellow jersey.”
This strategic pivot means the entire team will now be dedicated to Pogačar’s defense, a familiar scenario for the two-time Tour de France winner. While the loss of Almeida is undoubtedly a blow, Pogačar has consistently shown his ability to thrive under pressure, often relying on his own formidable strength in the mountains.
Pogačar Eyes Bastille day Challenge and Monday’s Mountain Showdown
The upcoming stages present a stern test for Pogačar and his redefined team. Stage 10, falling on Bastille Day, is anticipated to be a lively affair with numerous French riders eager to animate the race.
“It’s a big day in France [Bastille Day] and we’ll see a lot of French riders on the front, so it’ll be hard to control,” Pogačar commented, anticipating the aggressive racing that frequently enough characterizes this national holiday.
Looking ahead to the following day, Pogačar highlighted the meaning of the first true mountain stage. “Tomorrow is a solid day, proper climbing day, it doesn’t look so hurtful on the profile, but I think it’s going to be a really hard race. I think we are ready for it.” This stage, with over 4000 meters of climbing, is expected to be a crucial indicator of the overall contenders’ form after nine intense and fast days of racing.
“On Monday we’ll see the real values of the GC contenders. The stage will reveal a lot,” Gianetti added, underscoring the importance of the upcoming mountain test.
Pogačar also reflected on the challenges of stage 9, a day that saw him finish safely within the peloton but not without difficulty, notably due to the extreme heat.
“The heat made it tough and then Jonas Rickaert and Mathieu van der Poel made it even harder.It was a really, really hard day for a flat stage,” pogačar said, acknowledging the efforts of the breakaway duo who made the stage a grueling affair. “It was fast and furious. The wind was blowing in the right direction to make it hard.”
The ability of Pogačar and his team to manage the race dynamics, control breakaways, and conserve energy in challenging conditions will be paramount as the Tour de france enters its decisive mountain phases. With the yellow jersey on his shoulders and a clear, albeit adjusted, team strategy, Pogačar is poised to face the formidable climbs and the escalating pressure of the Grand Boucle.
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