Tadej Pogacar admires Van der Poel and is disappointed by Evenepoel's absence: "A 100 km solo, why not?"

Tadej Pogacar admires Van der Poel and is disappointed by Evenepoel’s absence: “A 100 km solo, why not?”

Tadej Pogacar is all set for Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The UAE Team Emirates star took some time on Friday afternoon to chat with the cycling press, including IDLProCycling.com. It was clear that the top favorite is more than motivated to start!

In contrast to Mathieu van der Poel, Pogacar did recon the course of La Doyenne. “It was quite manageable,” the Slovenian remarked during the press conference’s opening. “Scouting Liège-Bastogne-Liège is one of my favorite activities. I’m not sure why, but I always enjoy it, and this time was no exception. We maintained a brisk pace to keep warm.”

“Glad I skipped La Flèche Wallonne”: Pogacar on apocalyptic conditions (and hypothermic Skjelmose)

Speaking of cold: in the Tour of Catalonia, where Pogacar dominated, there was also some really bad weather at times. “In Catalonia, it was indeed very bad at times, especially during the stage to Vallter 2000,” the phenomenon agrees. “I don’t think it’s going to be as intense on Sunday in Liège, but it’s going to be very cold again. With the rain, it might not be too bad, so all in all, it’s a bit less severe than in Catalonia. I’m glad I didn’t participate in La Flèche Wallonne,” he continues about the apocalyptic conditions last Wednesday. “I was able to train in good weather in Spain. It was around twenty degrees, lovely. So, I don’t regret not participating there. It was horrible to see those guys like that. It was really tough, as I saw on TV.”

One of the riders who suffered greatly in La Flèche Wallonne was Mattias Skjelmose. The Dane from Lidl-Trek even had to be carried away with hypothermia symptoms. Pogacar also saw that happen but still sees the Scandinavian as a very formidable opponent on Sunday. “I really sympathized with Mattias. He is a huge contender on Sunday, as long as it’s not too cold. Just kidding,” Pogacar winked. “It was really tough for him. It looked scary. He is a good contender, as long as he dresses warmly and properly.”

Pogacar is disappointed by the forced absence of Evenepoel

Absent from Liège is two-time winner and reigning champion Remco Evenepoel. Pogacar, who won the race in 2021, noted that it was Evenepoel’s turn after that. “It’s a real pity that Remco Evenepoel isn’t here. He’s won it twice, and I wasn’t in the finale for those editions. I was looking forward to a good showdown with Remco this year. He really loves this race, as do I. It could have been quite the spectacle. But sometimes cycling can be unforgiving. The more big names at the start, the more fun it is for me. It’s also a boost to my motivation. Competing against the best and winning makes the victory all the sweeter.”

So, it appears that Van der Poel is the main challenger to the 25-year-old all-rounder. Even Pogacar himself has been watching with both astonishment and admiration at the world champion’s recent form. “What he’s been able to do is phenomenal. Not just this year but every season. However, this year he’s really stepped it up a notch. He handpicks his races and delivers supremely high performances at each one. His strength in the most crucial races is simply incredible. He’s truly a contender for the biggest races. Is it fun to compete against him? Not exactly, because he’s so extraordinarily strong. But he’s a formidable competitor, which is of course a good thing.”

Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons: Van der Poel versus Pogacar?

Indeed, we might see Van der Poel and Pogacar battling it out just between them at the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons, one of the final key challenges and a notorious tough spot. “Am I planning to attack there? I haven’t decided yet. We’ll see what happens on Sunday,” he says with a wide smile. “I don’t really have a favorite climb in the Ardennes; they all kind of blend together. What really draws me is the cumulative challenge they present.”

The conversation then turns to the topic of ‘lengthy solos,’ something Van der Poel has demonstrated several times, and Pogacar did it too in Strade Bianche. “Why not aim for a 100-kilometer solo?” he quips, drawing laughter. “Just kidding. This isn’t Paris-Roubaix or Strade Bianche. Those races are somewhat easier. The toughest climbs in Liège-Bastogne-Liège come later in the race, making it really tough to make an early move.”

However, it’s clear that Pogacar, who has been training at altitude in the Sierra Nevada over the past few weeks, is in very good form. “During those training weeks, we focused a lot on the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, but first and foremost is Sunday. I really love the schedule I’m set to undertake, with Liège-Bastogne-Liège as one of the key goals.” He skipped races like the Tour of Flanders or Amstel Gold Race, which he won last year. “When I watch the Tour of Flanders or Amstel Gold Race on TV, I really wish I could be there,” he admits honestly. “But on the other hand, I know I need to be fresh for my races, especially towards the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. The schedule is adjusted accordingly. But watching such races on TV only increases my motivation.”

Pogacar is okay with Hirschi winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège

So, who else does Pogi see as potential contenders? “There are so many climbs and strong names that you can really be surprised in Liège. You have to always be alert and have a good team that can control. I think there are many serious contenders. Take anyone from the top fifteen of the Amstel Gold Race or La Flèche Wallonne. Those are good climbers. So, I will have to be very alert in the last 100 kilometers. Fortunately, I have a good team.” And that strong team is important. Especially Marc Hirschi, who was already second in Liège, looks very strong in recent weeks.

“If Marc is there in the finale and he gets the chance, I would be very pleased if Marc wins the race,” Pogacar shows himself to be generous. “This team has given me so much over the past six years. It’s not that I have to win all the races. When you’re always helped so well, it’s nice to be able to give something back. What Van der Poel did in Milan-San Remo was cycling poetry. He helped a teammate (Jasper Philipsen, ed.), whom he knew had a better sprint in his legs. That’s really fantastic.”