Tadej Pogacar: "My hand no longer hinders me, but I have to be careful not to hit my wrist"

The national championships provided an opportunity for Tadej Pogacar to return to competition, the Slovenian has done so successfully ahead of the Tour de France, he's won the time-trial by over 5 minutes over the second best rider on the road.

"The goal was to ride faster than three years ago. I succeeded," Pogacar said in a post-race interview, having improved his time on the same course he won back in 2020 - although it can't be certain if the weather conditions were the same. That time, the time-trial was a warning shot for what was to happen at the final Tour de France time-trial, Pogacar has since become a leading figure against the clock.

However the victory wasn't the most important aspect during yesterday's ride, Pogacar wanted to test his form, and all looked good. His wrist, which is also a cause for a bit of concern, was also tested: "My hand no longer hinders me, but I have to be careful not to hit my wrist. There is a little nervousness before every race, but I am very happy that everything went well no problems and I was able to go full speed.”

He will race the road race nationals this Sunday which will provide a more accurate assessment of the situation but Pogacar is positive on his form ahead of the Tour.