"Obviously Pogacar will be the man to watch the most" - Jonas Vingegaard anticipates first mountain stage

The first mountain stage of the Tour de France is usually an important day, and one where the GC riders understood where they stand in terms of form. That may not be the case this year after a brutal starting weekend, but Jonas Vingegaard knows too well that Tadej Pogacar is the rider to cover.

“I slept well last night. I'm excited for this first mountain stage, it will be an exciting stage. I think it's a crucial day in which it's important to be ready right from the early stages of the race, then being ready at all times," Vingegaard told CyclingPro.net this morning. "Furthermore, with the bonuses on the final climb there will be further tension and it is another moment for which we must be ready".

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PREVIEW | Tour de France 2023 stage 5 - First high mountain stage with Pogacar and Vingegaard as main favourites

After attacking on the modest Alto de Jaizkibel, Tadej Pogacar not only confirmed his form is as good as it could be, but also that he is seeking bonus seconds and is trying to attack on every opportunity. With little doubt today's first day in the Pyrenees will see action in the peloton as it features two very complicated ascents, and in the Col de Marie Blanque fireworks are expected.

“Obviously Pogacar will be the man to watch the most, but he's not the only one. In any case, we will do our best, then we'll see how things go," the Dane stated. Vingegaard entered stage 5 11 seconds back on Tadej Pogacar, and 17 seconds behind his teammate and race leader Adam Yates. Before the race explodes in the mountains, there are still chances of a lot of tactical play among the two main teams in the race.

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Andy Schleck feels Tadej Pogacar is doing too much too soon: "The seconds he takes on Vingegaard, they are expensive”