According to ex-pro Philippe Gilbert, Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates learned from past mistakes and discounted the idea that this Giro d'Italia squad is somewhat underwhelming.
"The only way to beat him is to have a really strong team like Visma did at the Tour in 2022 and to play with a few cards," Gilbert told Velo. "The only other chance is to have him suffering from the heat and maybe have him isolated like he was on the Galibier, but since then his team is much stronger. Tadej’s best performances come in cool weather."
The cooler weather in May that’s typical of the Italian spring will also help Pogacar save matches for the heat of summer in the Alps at the Tour.
"UAE really studied that and they said no more. Tadej will go deep into the finish with one, two, or even three teammates, so this is why I really see him not losing the Giro."
What can other favourites do about Pogacar? According to Gilber nothing can be done about him. If the Slovenian is to lose the race, Gilbert reckons it will be due to bad luck or his own mistake. Geraint Thomas is seen as the main challenger to Pogacar, yet Gilbert suggests the experienced Welshman has to lock up the second place before he can even begin to look up.
"I think G has the experience and he will be following the moves. He is not the guy who will smash it one day. He is more calculating," Gilbert said. "He will be the most consistent behind Pogacar and use his experience to be in second, and hope for some bad luck for Pogacar. He knows if he goes head to head against Pogacar he will lose. He is more the guy who will try to save it."
"The problem with Pogacar is that he is smart, so even if you try to surprise him, he is there and he will follow you, and then counter-attack," Gilbert said. "He is always close on the win for the stages and on GC, he is almost unbeatable"
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