Pogačar's camp unimpressed by Visma's statement on Tour de France plan: 'We’re really looking forward to it'

UAE Emirates-XRG has reacted nonchalantly to statements from Visma | Lease a Bike suggesting that the Tour de France is not yet decided. CEO Richard Plugge told De Telegraaf that his team still has “a plan” to turn the Tour de France around in the second and third weeks.

Pogacar built up a 3.36-minute lead in the first half of the Tour de France, but Plugge shrugged that off. He described the time lost to Pogacar as “perhaps a bit more than we wanted,” but according to him, Visma | Lease a Bike had actually expected to fall behind at this stage of the race.

Pogacar dominated with three stage wins, with his victory on Day 6 over the Tourmalet being particularly impressive. Add to that two explosive finishes, and Vingegaard has already taken a few hard knocks. Now that we’re heading into the Vosges and, after an individual time trial on Stage 16, into the Alps, Plugge is feeling hopeful. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

According to Plugge, the source of Visma | Lease a Bike’s optimism has everything to do with meticulous preparation for the Tour de France. “Everything’s fine,” the CEO said nonchalantly, adding that the yellow jersey in Paris is still the goal and that his team must stick to the carefully laid-out plan. “We’ve got a plan for that.”

"We’ll fight with everything we’ve got," promised Plugge, who hopes to slowly close "a significant gap" alongside Vingegaard. Impressive words, but not for UAE Emirates-XRG. Pogačar and his team won’t be thrown off by that, now that they have a firm grip on the Tour de France. Team manager Mauro Gianetti agreed.

"We're prepared for anything," said the Swiss team manager, who expects to see strong performances not only from Visma | Lease a Bike but also from other teams in the second half of the Tour de France. Pogačar and Isaac del Toro have scouted Stages 13, 14, and 15 in the Vosges and thus seem ready for whatever may come. Can Vingegaard and Visma | Lease a Bike really still pull off a surprise?