Tadej Pogacar acknowledged that his growing exhaustion became a significant challenge during this year’s Tour de France, especially after securing a four-minute advantage over Jonas Vingegaard following the three Pyrenean stages.
Speaking after his fourth Tour victory, Pogacar said, “We were ahead with a solid lead, so the yellow jersey felt secure, but yes, fatigue set in during the final week.”
“Right now, I’d rather not analyze what didn’t go perfectly,” he added. “For the moment, I just want to soak in this achievement and celebrate wearing yellow in Paris.”
Though his contest with Vingegaard was less heated this year than in previous editions, Pogacar noted that their mutual respect has deepened. “Jonas was more open this time,” he said. “We chatted about different things—just ordinary conversations. I respect him as a competitor and enjoy racing against him.”
“Before the start today, we reflected on how remarkable the last five years have been, the way we’ve pushed one another to improve. We talked about how fortunate we are to have this rivalry and how it’s helped us both develop.”
Vingegaard conceded that his form fluctuated more than expected. “There were moments when I reached my best level ever, and others where I performed worse than I have in years,” he said.
“It wasn’t a steady decline—just a few off days. Overall, I’m stronger than before, but this race proved I’m still capable of struggling occasionally.”
Though Pogacar appeared worn out in the Alps, he showed no signs of exhaustion during the final stage in Paris, despite scrutiny from some French outlets.
“Fatigue affects athletes in every sport—mentally and physically,” he said. “Cyclists tend to overemphasize training. Everyone pushes themselves nonstop, but that can lead to burnout before the season even peaks.”
“Riders often push through tiredness because teams demand continuous racing, leaving little room for recovery. It’s a common issue, and I’m not immune to it.”
While Pogacar looks toward a potential Tour start in Slovenia in 2029, Vingegaard has shifted focus to the Vuelta a España, this year’s final Grand Tour, which Pogacar is unlikely to enter.
“First, I’ll take it easy for a week,” Vingegaard said. “When I feel ready, I’ll resume training. The turnaround is tight, but I managed it successfully two years ago.”
Read next
"Guardian Sport Weekend: Lions' Third Test, England vs. India, Women’s Open Action"
Rugby Union
11am Australia v British & Irish Lions live
The Lions enter the third and final Test against the Wallabies with a chance to secure a historic series sweep, an achievement not seen in decades. Lee Calvert will provide updates throughout. No Lions team has remained undefeated since Willie
Wallabies crush Lions' clean sweep bid in storm-lashed Sydney clash
Lions Fall Short as Wallabies Secure Series Finale
The hopes of a dominant tour for the British & Irish Lions came to an end as they suffered their first defeat in Australia on a rain-soaked evening in Sydney. The home side rose to the occasion, overcoming challenging weather and a
"Live: England vs India in fifth men's cricket Test, day three"
39th over: India 155-2 (Jaiswal 80, Akash Deep 51) Overton moves away from short-pitched deliveries, conceding just a single.
Guy Hornsby observes, "England will regret those dropped catches as the runs pile up, especially once Jaiswal reaches his century. Woakes’ absence was significant, though England managed well initially. Now,