While he has crushed the season, Tadej Pogacar still has room for improvement, according to his sports director, the Spaniard Fernandez Matxin.
Twenty-five victories, including an incredible triple Tour of Italy-Tour de France-World Championship and two Monuments – Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Lombardy -: Tadej Pogacar flew through the season in 2024. To the point that many observers see him as the greatest cyclist in history. His domination was such this year that there are only two races in which he did not raise his arms: Milan San Remo (3rd) and the Quebec Grand-Prix (7th).
However, according to his sports director, the Spaniard Fernandez Matxin, the Slovenian is not at the top of his game. The leader of the UAE-Emirates Team is therefore convinced that his leader still has room for improvement. “It’s not that I believe in it, it’s that I’m convinced of it. I don't doubt it. Obviously, it won't be a 30% margin, but I don't know if it can be 5%, 2%, 1%. He knows how to do it and how to execute it,” he confided.
Tadej Pogacar on the Vuelta next season
“We will obviously also point out the races that we still have to win. Either way, we must continue to fight with important objectives. If anyone is close to perfect, it’s always Pogacar,” he continued while the Slovenian reflects with his leaders on the program for his next season.
“I have already defended my victory in many races. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, and it won't be any different next year. Maybe only the World Championships will stand out, because it's a special race and it's rare that someone wins it two years in a row. Only the most special runners have succeeded (Alaphilippe, Sagan and Bettini in the 21st century, editor's note). The World Championships will probably be the most difficult race to defend. But I will be even happier to go to races where I have not won yet and try to win there,” he confided to this effect, thus opening the door to a presence in the Vuelta.
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