Tadej Pogačar, celebrating his fourth Tour de France victory, felt nervous speaking publicly despite his achievements. The weather improved for the stage 21 conclusion, allowing a festive atmosphere as fans supported the winner. His speech reflected maturity since his first win, yet he admitted discomfort in front of the audience. Pogačar expressed gratitude towards fellow podium finishers Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz. The longstanding presence of Pogačar and Vingegaard on the podium has fostered a respectful relationship rather than rivalry, signifying a genuine enjoyment of the sport together.
Four Tour titles, a rainbow jersey, and countless Classics wins later, he should be used to it, but perhaps one never adjusts to this.
Pogačar and Vingegaard have stood side by side on this stage every year for the last five years, the most times a single pair of riders has ever done that, by a long way.
But instead of an intense rivalry, it's clearer every year - as they embrace behind the podium, or just share a squeeze of hands on the road - that it's a relationship of respect and genuine enjoyment of racing, not drama.
I'm still not getting too used to this, I'm still not comfortable with talking in front of so many people with a microphone and with all the cameras on us.
Collection
[
|
...
]