Tadej Pogacar had to control the jitters in a “risky” gravel ride: “Didn’t want to lose the Giro and Tour”

Tadej Pogacar remained remarkably calm in the gravel outing of the Giro. The Slovenian leader said he had the legs to fight for a stage win, but his mind chose not to take any risks. “There were too many factors involved,” he says after 6 days of the Italian stage race with Renaat Schotte.

After six days of the Giro, Renaat Schotte wants to take stock of the leader.

“Everything is going well,” smiles Tadej Pogacar. “I’m glad that 6 stages have already passed, today was a deceiving stage. Fortunately the weather was good and everything went well for the team.”

No, the Slovenian did not want to unleash his devils on the gravel. Out of precaution?

“Of course I was itching to win the stage. But a lot of factors played a role. There is also the time trial tomorrow. If I were to go all out for the win, I would take a risk of losing the Giro now and soon also the Tour Even though the legs wanted to go.”

Calmly get across the line, was the motto. And Pogacar succeeded in that too. He is preparing for the remainder of the stage race as leader.

“I’m happy with my bonus. Let’s hope my time trial is excellent. I’m happy with that steep climb at the end,” he concludes.