"Visma is just focusing on me and underestimating the other GC contenders" - Tadej Pogacar frustrated by rival's tactics at 2024 Tour de France

Despite repeated attacks at the front of the GC group on the stage 9 gravel of the 2024 Tour de France, Tadej Pogacar was unable to snap the elastic to his Maillot Jaune rivals, with almost all general classification riders crossing the line together.

“It was pretty fun racing. There was lots of sand and dust all over the place, so it was impossible to get a clear picture of the race and you just had to ride on instinct and power," reflected the Maillot Jaune in his post-stage interview. "I had great legs, which is great news as this was one of the hardest stages of this Tour de France."

As the Tour reaches its first rest day, Pogacar stands with a lead of just over half a minute in the general classification to Remco Evenepoel and just over a minute to Jonas Vingegaard, who lays in third. "I’m really happy with how this start of the Tour has gone for me. I feel very confident, as I am in great shape and have a very good team around me," assesses the UAE Team Emirates leader. "So far, I have enjoyed this Tour de France a lot."

The tactics of Team Visma | Lease a Bike have been questionable in this first week according to Pogacar. "Visma led, then us, then Remco (Evenepoel) attacked, then me… At some point, Remco, Jonas Vingegaard and I went up the road. I think it was a great opportunity for us to put some time on the rest of the GC favourites and secure the podium, but Jonas refused to cooperate," he recalls. "I think Visma is just focusing on me and underestimating the other GC contenders. They just follow me, without thinking of Primoz Roglic or Remco. Afterwards, it was a shame that there were some headwind towards the finish, as that made it impossible for me to break away in the closing kilometres.”