Tadej Pogacar reacts to stage 16 time-trial: "I couldn't do anything more, I was flat out"

Starting the day just 10 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard in the battle for the Maillot Jaune, Tadej Pogacar has now slipped to 1:48 down after his rival's stunning stage 16 victory at the Tour de France.

"I couldn't do anything more, I was flat out," the UAE Team Emirates leader said in his post-stage interview. The Slovenian still finished second, 1:13 quicker than third-placed Wout van Aert, something that on any other day would've been an incredible ride. Sadly for Pogacar and his legion of fans, Jonas Vingegaard was just simply on another level.

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Jonas Vingegaard a dominant winner on stage 16 time-trial and takes firm grip of Tour de France

"It might not have been my best day but the Tour isn't over yet," maintains Pogacar who is sure to try and attack in the coming stages as he searches for the two minutes required to take what would be his third Yellow Jersey in four years. "Vingegaard took out a long time, it will be harder than last year."

One moment of controversy was Pogacar's choice to change bikes. Although we must be clear that it played no role in the stage win, when it comes to a fight as close as this one, every second counts. So does Pogacar regret his decision? "Changing my bike was the right choice for me."

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PREVIEW | Tour de France 2023 stage 17 - 5400 meters of climbing and 20% climb up Col de la Loze the queen stage for Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar

VIDEO: Costly bike change sees Tadej Pogacar shed time to Jonas Vingegaard on crucial time-trial

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Second place for @TamauPogi in the #TDF2023 time trial.

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