"He wants to test himself against Remco Evenepoel" - Tadej Pogacar going all out for Time Trial World Championship Rainbow Jersey says Matxin

Tadej Pogacar has never been one to shy away from a challenge. But as the season enters its final crescendo, the Slovenian superstar is setting his sights on a rare prize that has so far eluded him: the rainbow jersey in the World Championship time trial. And according to UAE Team Emirates - XRG’ sporting director Joxean Matxín, the motivation couldn’t be clearer.

“He wants to test himself against Remco,” Matxín told DH Les Sports. “If Tadej has given the go-ahead to ride, it’s because he truly wants to measure himself against the best – and right now, that’s Remco Evenepoel in the time trial. It’s a discipline where Tadej has invested a lot of time and work in recent months.”

The World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, promise to be unlike any edition before, with a hilly, high-altitude time trial course that could tilt the balance slightly away from the pure specialists – and into the grasp of versatile riders like Pogacar. For the four-time Tour de France winner, it’s not just a new goal – it’s personal.

“Do I really want to challenge Remco? Of course, that’s the goal,” Pogacar said in a recent press conference ahead of the North American classics in Quebec and Montreal. “I want to put him and the other strong specialists to the test. The course should suit me, although I’ll need a very good day. I’ve always been a fan of the discipline and have been on my time trial bike more than usual this time. I’m going there to prove myself the best that day.”

The time trial rainbow jersey is one of the few accolades missing from Pogacar’s burgeoning palmarès, which already includes monument wins, stage races, Grand Tours and of course the road race world title. He hasn’t raced since conquering his fourth Tour de France title in July, but will return to competition this weekend at the GP de Québec and Montréal – both important tune-ups ahead of Kigali.

His director is convinced that the fire is back. “He’s in great shape and eager to race again,” Matxín said. “Yes, he finished the Tour completely spent – mentally as well as physically – but he’s recharged and motivated. Mentally, defending the yellow jersey every day is draining. It’s not the same as attacking in a classic and going for the win. Tadej was right on the limit, no doubt. But this is different.”

Pogacar himself admitted that Kigali has been the goal all along. “Of course, I want to peak at the World Championships,” he said. “That’s the main goal for this final stretch of the season. I also want to use these races in Canada as good training and hope I’ll be ready.”

The team did consider throwing him into the Vuelta a Espana, but ultimately decided against it – a move Matxín believes was essential in preserving both form and freshness. “There’s no burnout here,” he said. “There’s absolutely no reason for concern. Tadej is managing everything perfectly.”

For all the talk of preparation, favourites, and tactical build-up, Matxín is unequivocal about one thing: when Pogacar races, he races to win. “Tadej is always the favourite when he lines up. That’s normal – he’s the best rider in the world.”

And in Kigali, he’ll be chasing a jersey that would only strengthen the claim that's the best rider ever.