“I get that question every year in the Tour" - Tadej Pogacar fed up by questions regarding doping

After race leader Jonas Vingegaard tackled some tough questions regarding doping head-on as the Tour de France reached its second rest, his arch-rival Tadej Pogacar has now also been posed similar questions.

“I get that question every year in the Tour," the UAE Team Emirates leader and former two-time Tour de France winner laments after a question about his cleanliness from a Danish reporter. "We do ride fast. With the background of the sport, I understand that those questions are asked. Some people kind of get stuck in that."

The fierce battle between Pogacar and Vingegaard has so far made the 2023 edition of the Tour de France one for the ages, and it's still all to play for with just 10 seconds separating the pair after 15 stages. “After the time trial on Tuesday, we have to see how we are doing. Wednesday and Saturday's rides will be decisive," says Pogacar, referencing the immense heat that has followed the race. “I get better in the heat every year. I don't like climbing in 35 degrees, but okay. My teammates also support me well, so I have to thank them for that."

"It's not that kind of psychological battle. We both focus on ourselves. Jonas looks good in the peloton, he doesn't look nervous," he continues. "And of course he is also very strong. The stress is part of it as far as I'm concerned, that's the Tour."