"He doesn't act arrogant at all" - Sjoerd Bax's insight into conversations with humble Pogacar

Sjoerd Bax has embarked on his first year in the WorldTour with UAE Emirates, and within the first two months of the season, he has already participated in a considerable number of races.

After starting the season at Schwalbe Classic, he participated in his first WorldTour level race with his teammates at Santos Tour Down Under. "That experience in Australia was already super cool, although I must say that I was a bit less in shape myself," he told IndeLeiderstrui.

Riding with Tadej Pogacar and spending leisure time with him was part of his experience after joining UAE Emirates, and he shares some insight into how they converse. “Dealing with Pogacar is very normal, he is also just a grateful boy. 'He doesn't act arrogant at all, you can have very good conversations with him about normal things. In my opinion, he also likes that better, you shouldn't have to hang around it like some kind of fan.”

He provided excellent assistance to Pogacar in Jaén Paraiso Interior and Vuelta a Andalucia, fulfilling his role brilliantly. "If Tadej finishes it every time, then it's not bad at all to drive. Otherwise you have to give leading groups six minutes and then you still have to get to work. Then I'd rather Tadej finish it than the other way around.”

Being a part of his new team has boosted his confidence and earned him more respect among the peloton.“It's great at UAE, the team is very big. It attracts more attention, I can develop and there is more respect in the peloton. It's also good for my confidence to drive with those guys,” said Bax.

Though he is currently limited to supporting roles, he aims to participate for himself in the near future and target a place on the podium. "It's going well so far, but I haven't reached my real top form yet. That is yet to come, but in principle it is mainly my job to stir in the preliminary final and to push those guys off well. Although it would also be nice to be able to participate yourself in a smaller competition,” concluded Bax.