Wout van Aert vs Pogačar: Race Tactics Controversy
Van Aert Hits Back at pogačar, Eyes Tour de France stage Wins and Vingegaard Support
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Wout van Aert has responded sharply to Tadej Pogačar’s criticism, suggesting the Slovenian rider missed an opportunity for “real sportsmanship” and is complaining about non-existent issues.The Belgian star, speaking after a stage of the tour de France, also alluded to the outcome of the Giro d’Italia as a lesson for UAE Team Emirates.
Van Aert’s Retort: “Complaining About Something That’s Not There”
Van Aert, a key rider for Jonas Vingegaard’s Jumbo-Visma team, directly addressed Pogačar’s comments, wich reportedly questioned the tactics of the Visma team. “If Tadej went back to the peloton, where Jonas was, he could have shown real sportsmanship,” Van Aert stated. “Now he’s complaining about something that’s not there. we wanted to ride for the stage win; that’s why we were in front of the race.”
This exchange highlights the intense rivalry between UAE Team Emirates and Jumbo-Visma,a dynamic that has been a central narrative of this year’s Tour de France.
A Nod to the Giro d’Italia
Van Aert couldn’t resist a subtle jab at UAE Team Emirates by referencing their performance in the Giro d’Italia. In that race, UAE’s rider Isaac del Toro was focused on Richard carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost, while Simon Yates launched a decisive attack on the Colle delle Finestre. Van Aert, who was part of Yates’s winning effort, explained the parallel. “I also think UAE will have learned their lesson after the Giro,” Van Aert said, speaking in Dutch. This suggests a perceived tactical misstep by UAE in the Giro that Van aert believes they should avoid repeating.
Van Aert’s Dual Role: Stage Hunter and Super-Domestique
Looking ahead, Van Aert confirmed his commitment to both personal stage ambitions and crucial support for Vingegaard in his battle for the yellow jersey against Pogačar. “Van Aert sees more stage victory opportunities but insisted he will also play a domestique role for Vingegaard, as the Dane tries to take on Pogačar for the yellow jersey.”
Tackling Pogačar: An “All-or-Nothing” Approach
The formidable challenge posed by Pogačar, particularly his climbing prowess, is not lost on van Aert. He acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead.”Of course, he has to attack. And an all-or-nothing attack is a possibility.It’s going to be a super-tough week. Pogačar has been the best uphill rider so far, but we have to keep trying,” Van Aert commented.
Despite the challenges, Van Aert expressed confidence in his own form and the team’s strategy. “The pieces haven’t fallen into place yet, but I can’t fault myself for much.I’m in the form I need to perform. And because of the fatigue in the peloton,the final week suits me better.” His belief is that the gruelling nature of the Tour’s final week will play to his strengths,perhaps allowing him to make a important impact.
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