"I made the wrong decision" - Tadej Pogacar among defeated on racing return at the GP Quebec
CyclingSaturday, 14 September 2024 at 10:47
Tadej Pogacar has barely tasted defeat in 2024 and 7th place from today's GP Quebec is by far his worst final result. Yet the Slovenian didn't leave a bad impression and the result was probably more a result of numb racing instincts after nearly two-month break.
"It was a really good race, the team did a super good job, I wanted the hard final and we did it," said Pogacar about his racing return. "We managed to do a really hard last couple of laps but I was not sure of my last kilometre if I would attack or not, but I made the wrong decision, waited for the sprint and I was boxed in. But I'm super happy to be back, the legs were turning good and I cannot wait for Sunday," said the Slovenian.
Taking a break after over 50 race days racked up by July seems to have been a legit choice by the UAE Team Emirates rider. "I was not expecting this good legs to be back so I'm super happy with the shape and how I managed the first race after a bit of a rest. So I think I'm ready for Sunday and World Championships now."
After his attack, Pogacar seemed convinced that the group he created would be able to keep the peloton away. "For sure, that's why I did not go for a longer attack because I looked back and there was still a gap with 1km to go," admitted Pogacar. "Three guys from Lotto, I was thinking we would make it to the finish but the group was coming from behind really fast and I should have launched it before."
But he was quick to move on from missing out, simply relishing the opportunity to race again after over 50 days without pinning on a race number. "Maybe I could stay away but it is what it is, it was really fun racing and I enjoyed it a lot," Pogacar concluded.
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5 Comments
Pogacar shows the grace and class of a champion we can respect. Blamed only himself. De Lie held back too when he should have gone. His teammates who rode so incredibly well deserved that he at least go for it. With 3 to 1 odds the responsibility for taking the initiative lay with Lotto. Fun finish, kudos to Jorgenson too!
Someone teach De Lie basic strategies in cycling... he blocked Pogacar allowing the peloton come back. Senseless.
It was not about a bad decsion, Pog was beaten by better riders on the day so why not say so. As great as he is he cannot expect to win everything.
Saw the race live, his positioning was always excellent, but it’s Quebec, it’s really hard to get away and stay away over the lap, and those hills are too short to get enough separation. I was surprised that Lotto with three in front messed it up.
I think Pogacar doubted that he was really in top form, or else he would have attacked on the previous lap climb.
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