Pogacar builds up towards World Championships at Bretagne Classic - "I think I'm going to be in a lot of pain"

Bretagne Classic will have a luxurious startlist this year as the riders look to prepare the World championships, and leading UAE Team Emirates will be Tadej Pogacar in seek of good form and a strong result.

"I'm looking forward to starting the last part of the season. I think I'm going to be in a lot of pain,” he joked in a press release from the team. "I've trained well in recent weeks and feel strong, but normally I always need some time to get back to race rhythm." Pogacar was initially planned to ride the Vuelta a Espana, but after abandoning the Clasica San Sebastian and revealing fatigue, he opted out, instead looking to prepare for the World championships where he'll have the opportunity to fight for the rainbow jersey.

"I'm looking forward to getting back on track and starting the latter part of the season," he concluded. UAE will have further options to fight for the win, mainly in Italian classics specialists Matteo Trentin and Diego Ulissi. Rui Oliveira, Ryan Gibbons, Vegard Stake Laengen and Oliviero Troia conclude the lineup with high ambitions into the French race.

UAE Team Emirates for Bretagne Classic: Tadej Pogacar, Ryan GIbbons, Vegard Stake Laengen, Rui Oliveira, Matteo Trentin, Diego Ulissi and Oliviero Troia.