Alex Baudin has spoken to the French Dicodusport about the dominance of Tadej Pogacar and his team UAE Emirates XRG. According to the Frenchman from EF Education-EasyPost, riders in the peloton are starting to get tired of constantly being dropped. "It has really changed the sport of cycling in recent years," says the 24-year-old rider.
At the beginning of Pogacar’s dominance, Baudin could still laugh and enjoy the Slovenian’s high level, but that has since changed. "Unfortunately, this year my race schedule was very similar to Pogacar’s. And even if you’re not pessimistic, you know very well what will happen in the finale."
Baudin on the attack during the Tour - photo: Cor Vos
"He has the two-gear advantage over everyone else," Baudin continues. "Many riders in the peloton are getting tired of being dropped. Maybe it’s exciting for TV viewers to see attacks from 100 kilometers out, but it also kills suspense. Pogacar is kind of ruining the race. When he’s there, everyone rides for second place.”
According to Baudin, every team talks about the four-time Tour winner in the team buses. "He now influences the briefings," the Frenchman points out. "During the Tour de France, the first question every morning was whether he wanted to win the stage. Everyone adapts accordingly. It has really changed the sport of cycling over the past few years."
Strongest team
Baudin sees only one way to beat the Slovenian, but the overall strength of UAE Emirates XRG makes executing that tactic almost impossible. "The only solution is to anticipate, because when he attacks, it is impossible to follow him. I’ve tried several times during the Dauphiné or at the Grand Prix of Montréal, but his team always started chasing earlier than I expected."
"He has the best team around him, and all his teammates could also win the race. So of course, then all chances are gone." To end on a positive note, Baudin looks ahead hopefully. "But I believe it can change. There will inevitably come a day when he’s a little less strong."
