Tadej Pogacar responds to 'arrogant' UAE accusations: "Some people who say that should just keep quiet"

In a day with little to mention race-wise for Tadej Pogacar, the yellow jersey was challenged in the post-stage press conference with some questions regarding UAE's human rights situation, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's 'arrogance' accusations and how he describes his state of mind ahead of the mountain clashes that will happen in the Alps over the coming two days.

Pogacar managed to make it through a wet and tense day inbetween the mountains safe, not losing time and avoiding coming down in a sprint that took down several fast men. Pogacar has kept his powder dry and will need it, as this Thursday's stage puts 5500 meters of climbing on the menu, high altitude and a summit finish at the colossal Col de la Loze where Team Visma | Lease a Bike are expected to try and break his hold of the maillot jaune.

"I hope they'll push the stage, join the breakaways, and raise the pace on the first or second climb. But especially on the Col de la Loze, they'll go all out. I'll be waiting for them; I'll be ready," the Slovenian said in an assertive tone, likely also playing psychological games trying to undermine the Dutch team's confidence. "It's a key stage. I hope to tackle it in good condition and get revenge for what happened two years ago (where he lost several minutes, ed.). I'm really looking forward to it".

Pogacar was unexpectedly asked about the human rights situation in the UAE, often criticized, but naturally the Slovenian provided a generic answer instead of directly going into the topic. "Every time I visit the country, I see the sports infrastructure improving. Sport is growing in the Emirates, and I suppose that's why they have a team to promote a healthy lifestyle. This is essentially a European sport, and they've invested in cycling. But they also invest in sports and cycling in particular. I've been going there for five or six years, and I see that more and more people are joining us for training there. I'm proud of that".

Lastly he was also asked about the statements that have been said multiple times, but even more so in the past few days, of UAE (and in particular Nils Politt) being arrogant and chasing down at times unnecessary attacks, in a way that almost looked to be sending messages - such as Politt's chase of TotalEnergies' Alexandre Delettre on stage 16, which particularly saw team boss Jean-René Bernaudeau come out with strong words against the Emirati team and their behaviour in the race.

Pogacar answered the question with some honesty, explaining the team's point of view, specially in what is it's most important event of the year: "We're not looking to be arrogant; we're looking to make the race as easy as possible for ourselves. I think some people who say that should just keep quiet. I know this may seem arrogant, but that's what I think".