Pogacar is unfazed by UAE Teammates’ attack on Vingegaard: "I get the questions"

On Saturday, Pogacar was asked about Vingegaard’s gap in the Algarve GC. Surprisingly, it’s not the Dane but rather three of Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates who are dominating the race in Portugal. Jan Christen has held the leader’s jersey since his stage 2 victory on Alto da Foia, with João Almeida right behind him. António Morgado sits in fourth place, while Vingegaard is down in sixth, 20 seconds behind Christen.

The final stage on Sunday features a time trial, a course that—on his best days—should suit Vingegaard perfectly. The 19.6-kilometer route starts with a flat power section, followed by a 2.5-kilometer climb to the finish on Malhão. There’s a strong chance that the two-time Tour de France winner could restore order and still claim overall victory. However, Pogacar’s teammates won’t give up their positions without a fight.

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For Tadej Pogacar, the current standings in the Volta ao Algarve don’t change his expectations for the Tour de France. Once again, cycling fans anticipate a showdown between Pogacar and Vingegaard, just as in previous years. The entire cycling world is hoping that both stars arrive at the Tour in peak condition—something that hasn’t happened in the last two editions. Pogacar’s 2023 preparation was disrupted by a broken wrist in Liège, while in 2024, it was Vingegaard who suffered a setback after his hard crash in the Basque Country.

"I’m sure Jonas will come to the Tour de France in his best form, as well as in the races leading up to it," Pogacar told Marca. "He uses this part of the season for preparation, but I have no doubt he’ll be strong at the Tour. I understand the questions about him and our great rivalry, but I have a lot of respect for Jonas. He’s a great champion, and we’ve had some incredible battles in the mountains."

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Speaking to IDLProCycling.com this winter, Vingegaard explained that he is taking a slightly different approach for 2025. "We believe I can still improve as a rider, but I mainly focus on myself. That’s where I have the most control over the outcome. As for how we plan to take on UAE Team Emirates, I’d rather keep that to myself. But we’re confident, even though we’ve also seen that they have become more professional and stronger. We have to catch up again," he said.