Tadej Pogačar admitted he’s eager for the Tour de France to end so he can enjoy other aspects of life, as the grueling race nears its final stage in Paris. Speaking after stage 18 where he gained a few more seconds on rival Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) during a rainy finish in Courchevel Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) acknowledged the emotional toll of the race.
Wearing the yellow jersey hasn’t made things easier. “It’s a valid point,” he said, looking tired when asked about the third week’s challenges. “I keep wondering why I’m still here three weeks is a long time. I’m counting down the kilometers to Paris. I can’t wait to do something else fun in life again.”
While the added demands of being race leader, including constant media attention, have weighed on him, Pogačar said the crowd’s support and having strong legs helped lift his mood.
“Even when you’re tired and frustrated with everyone around you, riding is still enjoyable,” he said. “On these big climbs, when fans are cheering, you feel that extra motivation. If your legs are good, it really changes everything.”
Stage 18 saw Visma-Lease a Bike try to wear down Pogačar’s team again, especially on the punishing Col de la Madeleine and the final Courchevel ascent. But UAE Team Emirates-XRG responded strongly, eventually breaking up the front group. When Vingegaard finally attacked, Pogačar calmly matched it and even surged ahead in the final kilometer, stretching his general classification (GC) lead to 4 minutes and 26 seconds.
Looking ahead, Pogačar said he expects more pressure from Visma-Lease a Bike in stage 19’s brutal finish at La Plagne. “It’s not done yet, three days remain. I’ll just give it my all each day to protect the lead.”
The Tour is never easy, even for a rider of Pogačar’s caliber. But unless disaster strikes, his grip on the yellow jersey seems secure.
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