Pogačar addressed the timing of his doping test, which he underwent at 5 a.m., noting that it occurred three hours after Vingegaard had his own test. He suggested that factors such as sleep deprivation and inadequate recovery could potentially impact concentration during a cycling stage. Regarding his competitor, Jonas, Pogačar spoke to the organizers about the absence of the latter.
He stated, “I am sorry Jonas dropped out. We have always fought for the win since 2021. Maybe we weren’t in the best relationship at the beginning, but in the last years we built up a respectful rivalry and somehow we also made friends.
A Tour without him wouldn’t be the same.”
When discussing the reports surrounding the doping control, Pogačar reflected on the timing. He mentioned, “I was thinking a bit about the statements for the French TV that he had a doping control at 2 a.m. when you’re short on sleep, maybe you don’t work anymore.”
These comments highlight Pogačar’s acknowledgment of the physical toll of the race, linking it to performance variables.
His discussion also emphasized the evolving nature of his competitive relationship with Jonas, framing it as a mutual respect built over several years despite the outcome of the current race.
Topics: #also #jonas #doping
