"Starting to get fed up with getting crushed" - Tadej Pogacar's dominance through the eyes of a rival

Alex Baudin is not a rider who has come directly to battle with Tadej Pogacar often throughout the past year but he - like many others - very much feels the effect of the Slovenian's presence in any race, and is honest about how it is quite annoying to rarely find breathing room to take wins.

"Honestly, it's funny at first. But this year, unfortunately, my schedule has been very similar to Pogacar's. And, even without being defeatist, otherwise we wouldn't start, we know very well what's going to happen in the final." Baudin told DicoduSport. “He's two legs ahead of everyone else. In the peloton, many are starting to get fed up with getting crushed".

Baudin expresses an opinion that is certainly very much present in the peloton, but isn't frequently said publicly. Baudin himself felt the 'Pogacar effect' as on the first of the final three mountain stages at the Criterium du Dauphiné. There, he was caught in the final ascent to Combloux after UAE chased on for many kilometers to take what would be his first dominant win, on a climb where minutes were gained even though it was the 'easiest' of the three stages.

Elsewhere, Baudin also believes the World Champion's dominance in the races is not the most entertaining for fans. "It's true, it's great for cycling on television to see attacks 100 kilometers from the finish. But it also kills the suspense. Pogacar, he kills the race a bit. Every time he's there, everyone's chasing second place".

"We had a great group. And the Tour de France is an incredible experience. When I think back on it, I feel like it wasn't even real. With the team, we were at altitude before the Dauphiné. And when I go to altitude, I 'work' very well right afterwards. So it was at the Dauphiné that I had one of my best moments of the year," he says, having possibly won a stage if it weren't for UAE's chasing.

However at the Tour very little stages were taken by the breakaway and Baudin didn't stand much of a chance. Afterwards things did not get better. "But my level started to drop right at the start of the Tour. On top of that, I was sick: I caught a small virus, not very serious, but it didn't help".

However the 24-year old - who briefly led the Tour de Romandie this spring - will not give up on that goal despite the presence of incredible climbers in the current peloton: "I would dream of winning a stage of the Tour de France. It doesn't matter which one, it's so prestigious.”

Asked about his compatriot Paul Seixas who may in the future also contest for the Tour de France with the current best riders in the peloton, he had nothing but good to say. "It's impressive to see a young rider like him".

"He already has his head screwed on and is very mature for his age. I think he has that certain something of a great champion. I truly believe he will become a big name in cycling and will leave his mark on the history of French cycling,” said Baudin.