"I wouldn't mind going down in history as one of Tadej's regular domestiques" - Florian Vermeersch on Pogacar

Florian Vermeersch was one of UAE Team Emirates - XRG's signings this winter, and it proved to be one of the most successful in the entire peloton. Although he has been given less freedom and a domestique role for Tadej Pogacar, the Belgian considers it the best decision of his career.

In a special for Wielerevue, the Belgian recalls Paris-Roubaix, in which he finished fifth, but Pogacar rode to second on the day. "If he doesn't fall, he will probably go to the finish line with Mathieu [van der Poel]".

"That is very impressive with his weight. Yes, he may be even better than I expected when I signed with this team last winter, but on the other hand, I have also seen it in the peloton for years, right?". Whilst Vermeersch is not scheduled for the Tour de France, it wouldn't come as a surprise after the work together at the UAE Tour, Strade Bianche and the cobbled classics.

He is full of nothing but praise for his teammate: "It sometimes goes with such ease in training and in the race... In quotation marks, because at the same time he also showed in the Amstel Gold Race that he is human, because he suffered enormously there. But yes, it is special. Of course I have not experienced the time of Eddy Merckx. That makes it difficult for me to compare, but the ease with which he rides around is unprecedented."

The 26-year old is only a few months in to his two-year contract with the Emirati team, but admits to be quite happy with how it has been going: "I wouldn't mind going down in history as one of Tadej's regular domestiques, you know. I'm very happy with the role I have. I recently told my parents and girlfriend that this was the best choice of my career".

He also gives some background into the downtime with the Slovenian, not often captured by the cameras. "Sometimes I feel like we could use someone from security when I'm with Tadej, because it's sometimes bizarre to see how many fans he has. But with nine victories, he's already third on the list of cyclists with the most Monuments to his name..."

"He's simply the biggest star in cycling. He remains accessible and friendly at the same time. It's one of the reasons why he has so many fans. He has a 'cool' about him that he radiates to us and his fans. That's why he's so loved by everyone," Vermeersch concluded.