"If it doesn't happen now, then certainly in the coming years" - Tadej Pogacar certain a Rainbow Jersey is in his future

Tadej Pogacar will start the men's elite road race this coming weekend in Zürich as the pre-race favourite to take the 2024 World Championship title. Ahead of the action, the Slovenian previewed his chances in a pre-race press conference.

"A one-day race with the national team is of course very different. Last year was tough, the course didn't really suit me. Too explosive, especially in the last hours. I was exhausted, but this year it suits me much better," begins the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France champion, recalling his 3rd placed finish in Glasgow in 2023. "Is it more difficult than a normal one-day race? Yes, I think so. We ride with our team all year, so you know everyone better than with the national team. We also have no communication, which doesn't make it easy."

Pogacar's palmares has almost everything a rider could ever wish for. One thing missing though, is a Rainbow Jersey. "What does the rainbow jersey mean? It's a very special jersey in cycling. The most unique one, that everyone wants to wear. You wear this jersey all year round as a sign that you are the best rider in the world," he says, certain that before retirement, it will happen. "It's a big goal for me. If it doesn't happen now, then certainly in the coming years."

"There are a lot of climbs, which makes it tricky. They are not very long, but there is not really a long descent. So it will be difficult to recover completely," he continues. "Different scenarios are possible. The difference will probably be made at the end. The distance, the course and the approach of other teams play a role of course. Our strong team has two or three assets for the final. That gives us an advantage, but we have to play smart."

In terms of challengers, 2022 world champion Remco Evenepoel and 2023 world champion Mathieu van der Poel stand out. Although on this course, the Belgian is more heavily favoured than the Dutchman. "Is Van der Poel an outsider or a favourite? Mathieu is in shape and has achieved fantastic victories in that jersey," says Pogacar of the defending champion. "However, Sunday will be a more difficult race for him because of the climbs. I have heard that he has lost one and a half kilos, perhaps he has prepared himself specifically for the World Championships. We will certainly keep an eye on him."

As for Evenepoel? "Evenepoel rode an excellent time trial and looked good," Pogacar admits. "He stayed calm, especially after that stressful start. He was well prepared, even without a wattage meter. He really excels in time trials. But Sunday is a different race."