Pogacar on the European Championship, Evenepoel, Vingegaard, calendar suggestions, an Italian surprise and ambassador Tadej

“I feel pretty good. This far into the season, after the World Championships and after such a long trip, I feel excellent. I'm happy to be here, to test my legs again,” Pogacar said in front of a packed room of journalists. “I also have a good team. Unfortunately, I haven't raced with some of these guys very often in recent years, because they are really great. Everyone is motivated to do something special on Sunday.”

The climbs in the European Championship course are challenging. The only change compared to the World Championships is that it is shorter, so it is more explosive. That wasn't the case at the World Championships, but here it is steep, not so long and punchy. I'm curious; we will see some tremendous power, and we will see more men at the front in the final than we did at the World Championships.

"An early attack? That's possible, but I doubt it will work. It's about 65 kilometers less than the World Championships, and it will be a completely different way of racing. You really have to fly and deliver enormous power to get away on a lap like that. I don't think it will happen, but never say never..."

“I expect Remco Evenepoel to be back at the top level. He showed how good he is on Sunday (in the road race at the World Championships, ed.). He finished second in such a tough race, flew in the European Championship time trial on Wednesday, and I think he's in good shape. Mentally, he's always prepared and eager to win these kinds of races. So I expect him to do very well.”

"Jonas Vingegaard? It's been a long time since I raced against Jonas in a one-day race. But if he's here, he'll be outstanding. I hope people are happy that we're here. That also adds some motivation for me. Although it's not just about Jonas and Remco, many other big names are here and in top form."

“The French team always has a good team for such championships. They have surprised us with young players, with Paul Seixas and Romain Grégoire really showcasing their talent. They are not afraid to race and can do something special on this course. It doesn't matter to me that it's in France. I race for the competition, not for the country where it's organized.”

"Why am I only here for the second time? The European Championships often don't fit into the calendar, and it's not my main goal. I often aim for higher goals, and the last courses at the European Championships weren't challenging either. If you check all the winners, it was often fast men who won. This year it's a good climbing course, suitable for us climbers."

"In my opinion, it's not good that the European Championships are organized a week after the World Championships. We already have a lot of races on the calendar this week, with the Italian autumn and the CRO Race. Riders have to choose whether to ride for their team or for their country. I think a lot of riders from Europe still chose the European Championships, but it is what it is, the cycling calendar will never be perfect."

“If you asked me, I would definitely change a lot on the calendar. I don't have the dates in front of me right now, but I would definitely consider scheduling the European Championships a little later in the season. Suppose there aren't too many races, not even on the same day. If there are already three races, like now, you can't add a European Championship.”

"Classics, Grand Tours, or the World Championships and European Championships? Phew, you can't compare them. For me, the classics are more important than the European Championships, because you're racing against the whole world and all the classic riders are there. There's more tradition and history, which makes it different. But if you can win the European Championships, you get to wear the jersey for the whole year. That's a wonderful feeling too. "

“I can win the Tour of Lombardy for the fifth time in my fifth participation next week, yes. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; first comes the European Championships. Then we go to Italy and I do Tre Valli Varesine (on Tuesday, October 7, ed.). That's on the way to Lombardy, so it fits well. There was little point in going home or wandering around northern Italy.

"I love Tre Valli Varesine, it's always a tricky race and you never know who will be in the final. Unfortunately, last year's event was canceled due to rainfall, which made it too dangerous. But I'd like to return to honor the race. We'll see what happens in the Tour of Lombardy afterwards."

"The 2026 European Championships in Slovenia, yes! I wouldn't say that's because of me, but it helps that we have strong riders in our country. But even now, it doesn't really matter where it is; it's about the race. I hope they make it a tough course. I've already had a look at a possible course, but that's quite complicated to do in the area where I come from."

Bram van der Ploeg ( Twitter: @BvdPloegg | email : [email protected])