Pogacar is beatable, says Garcia Cortina, who didn’t know about Uijtdebroeks transfer: "But he's a great asset"

“It was a good season,” Garcia Cortina begins at Marca, first talking about his own 2025. “I was at the front in the classics, with a top ten finish in Flanders, I won in Asturias, and then in the Tour and La Vuelta, I worked hard for the team. I think we are all satisfied. In terms of sport and mentality, it was a very good year, although we missed the icing on the cake: a victory in a major race.”

The Spaniard, therefore, sees that Movistar has taken a step forward as a team. “In terms of attitude and commitment, it was a great year. But yes, we missed the finish. The most important thing is that the foundation is there. In 2026, we will try to turn the tide and win more,” said the 29-year-old rider from Gijón.

To turn the tide, Movistar is also counting on new signing Cian Uijtdebroeks next year. “His arrival was a complete surprise; we knew nothing about it,” Garcia Cortina said. "But he's a great asset. Ultimately, it's positive for the team that there are more leadership opportunities. Enric (Mas, ed.) and he can complement each other very well. ‘

Then there is the case of Pogacar, who once again showed phenomenal things this year. Garcia Cortina saw that, in addition to the Slovenian, UAE also has gold in its hands with Isaac Del Toro. “The Mexican ended the year winning almost everything. We've seen his level since Australia. And Pogacar... he's so strong. He's on his way to becoming the best rider in history. We can enjoy watching him, even when he beats us.”

Because beating Pogi is something few riders have managed to do so far. Still, Garcia Cortina is not giving up, because is the world champion unbeatable? “No, I don't think so,” he says combatively. “One year, everything can go well for him, and the next year it can't. But he is definitely at a brutal level. We mustn't normalize the extraordinary. That only happens occasionally.”

Garcia Cortina is therefore not necessarily counting on the new generation, which is under a lot of pressure. “Del Toro and Seixas are not the Pogacars of the future; they are themselves. Everyone has to follow their own path. The same goes for Ayuso or Carlos Rodríguez. There are huge expectations of them, as if they have to become the next Contador, and that puts unnecessary pressure on you.”

“I've been there myself,” explains the Spaniard. “There comes a point when you lose yourself, you don't know where to go, until you understand that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself, take care of yourself, and work hard. If you do that, the results will come naturally,” concludes the experienced rider.