Tadej Pogacar already thinking about Tour de France: "I'm really looking forward to July to compete against Jonas, Remco and Primoz"

A lot has been written abot Tadej Pogacar's phenomenal ride to win the stage 15 from the beautiful lakes of Manerba del Garda to the skiing centre Mottolino in Livigno. And that's precisely where the 26-year-old Slovenian feels home and where he met the love of his life Urska Zigart. While the Maglia Rosa wearer certainly didn't lack motivation to take on the queen stage of Giro d'Italia, this special attachment gave him the wings that allowed him to fly.

Pogacar already expressed how much he was looking forward to Livigno, which he elaborated on in the press conference. "The first time here in Livigno was as a junior when I was at training camp in Sankt Moritz with the national team. We came here with an almost broken van to refuel. After all, gasoline was cheaper here. That was the first time."

He continues the story: "After that, I think I came back here every year. I have great memories of Livigno and it's wonderful to have won the queen stage here now. This is where I had my first date with my fiancée Urska. That was the best moment of my life."

The Italian grand tour is far from over, may it not seem so through the glasses of Pogacar's opponents who don't seem to come even close to the overlord of Corsa Rosa. And even the UAE Team Emirates leader is already eyeing his next goal for this summer - the Tour de France.

At the Grande Boucle, he should face off with Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel - a competition that should give the Slovenian a good run for his money. All three were impacted by the tough crash in Itzulia Basque Country, but reports suggest they should be back at their best by July.

"That competition is coming," Pogacar says, cautiously looking ahead to the Tour de France. "I'm really looking forward to July to compete against Jonas, Remco and Primoz. First, we have to survive the last week here, and then the focus will be on July," said Pogacar.