Remco Evenepoel Notices Something in Tadej Pogacar’s Gears

One acceleration on the slopes of the Passo di Ganda was enough for Tadej Pogacar to break away from his rivals and then solo to a fifth consecutive victory in the Giro di Lombardia. Remco Evenepoel witnessed it happen but once again couldn’t follow. How does the Belgian view the supremacy of his Slovenian rival?

According to Evenepoel—who will ride for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe next year—Pogacar uses a different attacking method. "I've now seen it live a few times and I don't feel like Tadej downshifts," he begins in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.

"He starts his attack at a slightly lower cadence, then suddenly ramps up to a very high cadence. It’s a power move, and he executes it very well. Very impressive to watch," says the (currently) Soudal Quick-Step rider, full of praise.

Evenepoel had to concede defeat once again to the world champion but was once more the best of the rest. "I checked the Strava times of the Passo di Ganda this morning at breakfast and I don’t think I was that far off, but Tadej still rides nearly a minute faster... I dropped Del Toro and Seixas on the climb and Storer on the descent. I gave it my all."

Work to be done
"I think Tadej was also at his limit this time because once he had opened the gap, he didn’t get far away from me and had to ease off," says Evenepoel, who holds great admiration for his Slovenian opponent. "He can definitely move to a separate competition for all I care, because my palmarès would look a lot better. He can stop anytime in two years, as far as I'm concerned," he says with a wink.

"My goal is to match his level this coming winter and have that kind of acceleration myself. Work ahead, but first a holiday. Although I haven’t booked a trip or decided on a location yet," concludes Evenepoel.