Jai Hindley: "I have to do a lot of work to be at the level of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard"

Following his first grand tour win at Giro d'Italia, Bora–Hansgrohe rider Jai Hindley has set his sights on competing in Tour de France this year, but he has encountered some difficulties in terms of achieving success.

Hindley kicked off his season by competing in the Schwalbe Classic, followed by the Santos Tour Down Under, where he finished in the sixteenth position in the general classification. He then participated in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, where he secured the 32nd spot. Unfortunately, Hindley was unable to achieve any notable results in his first European race of the season, the Volta ao Algarve, where he concluded the race in thirteenth place in the general classification.

He has repeatedly expressed his aspiration to take part in the tour.“The Tour de France is the biggest race in the world, why not go?  I would love to be at the start of the Tour and live this experience. It's the first time I've really raised my hand in the team, having as a request to be in the Tour de France. I have to do a lot of work to be at the level of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard,” he told Cyclingweekly.

While other riders strive to maintain their performance levels throughout the season leading up to the main race, Hindley acknowledges his irregularity and does not follow the same path.“When I see these guys, it's not just about all the crazy things that "they've done in the Grand Tours. They prepare for the Tour de France all year round and I don't. I lack a certain consistency throughout the year,” concluded the Australian rider.