"Powerlessness will eventually turn into hatred" - Janez Brajkovic worries about Pogacar's dominance

Tadej Pogacar has won the last two editions of the Tour de France and has become perhaps the most overwhelmingly dominant rider in the recent years. Former pro Janez Brajkovic worries about the consequences that may have.

“He really tries to win every stage. The other riders are powerless. That powerlessness will eventually turn into hatred. That worries me," the former climber told RTV SLO. "The riders could end up hating him, even though he's a great and friendly guy. If he continues to win, there will be a certain resistance and his competitors will do everything they can to beat him. We've seen this over the years. But I do not agree that he should now give victories to others," he argued.

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This year alone the Slovenian has already won UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of Slovenia - every stage-race he's participated in. Adding to that, Strade Bianche, aswell as eight stage wins across all those and the current Tour de France where is currently leading. The Slovenian has shown to have no weak spot, combining suffocating climbing abilities with a mastery of sprinting, time-trialing and even classics riding.

Pogacar has gave it a shot in the classics campaign this season, mainly in the cobbled classics where he was out of his comfort zone, but still played a spotlight role in most races he participated in. Having only 23 years of age and displaying similar dominance last year, his compatriot worries that the peloton may turn against him specifically.

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At the ongoing Tour de France the UAE Team Emirates leader is showing similar dominance, with two stage wins, the yellow jersey and only Jonas Vingegaard so far being able to match him. “Pogačar's team has been weakened, but it is difficult to say now whether this will have much impact on the final result. Other teams are ready to help Pogačar's team. By this I mean Jumbo-Visma," he says, pointing towards the possible struggles the team will face.

“Jumbo-Visma also races on days when they can close the gap with Pogačar. They then race as if they were wearing the yellow jersey themselves. They should have emotionally mature people in the cars at Jumbo-Visma, who know how to perform under pressure and so can make the right choices. At Jumbo-Visma, nobody takes responsibility. They really race like headless chickens," Brajkovic harshly put.

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Today's mountain stage into Châtel will be the first high-mountain stage, which will provide an opportunity for INEOS and Jumbo-Visma to attack the lead before it gets too big. “Jumbo-Visma and INEOS Grenadiers could form an alliance in the second or third week. That's the only way to beat Pogačar," he argues.

"If they keep waiting for the final climb, it's too late. The only option is to join forces and isolate Pogačar in one ride on the penultimate climb. I don't think Jonas Vingegaard can beat Pogačar. Not even on longer cols," Brajkovic concluded.

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