Michel Wuyts jumps to Tadej Pogacar's defence after criticism: "Bruyneel was not an untalented rider, but was about a tenth of the Slovenian in terms of talent"

After Johan Bruyneel recently questioned whether Tadej Pogacar being as dominant as he has been so early in the season was wise, Belgian journalist and commentator Michel Wuyts has leapt to the Slovenian's defence.

“He compares himself to Pogacar and that's about the dumbest thing you can do," Wuyts says in response to Bruyneel's claim of, "as a fan it's nice to see, but why? He's young and he's having fun, but as a team leader you have to try to keep him calm. You have to let him do it when it matters, and that is not the case with the Vuelta a Andalucia."

"Bruyneel was not an untalented rider, but was about a tenth of the Slovenian in terms of talent. So let's stop with that," Wuyts continues. Indeed Bruyneel was a two-time Tour de France stage winner in his own right, however after years of rumours surrounding him he was convicted of doping in 2014 and is currently serving a life time ban from cycling.

Wuyts in fact believes that Pogacar may not yet be at full strength despite his early season dominance, claiming "I had the firm impression that Pogacar was playing a game."