Tom Danielson pinpoints the difference between Pogačar and Vingegaard on stage 3: 'Like Cipoilini’s leadout train'

UAE Emirates-XRG has now managed to turn the tables in the Tour de France. After Visma | Lease a Bike’s victory in the team time trial, the team—with Isaac del Toro and Tadej Pogacar—won the next two stages, putting them in first and second place. American former pro and analyst Tom Danielson assessed the situation on his podcast.

"Tadej’s win shows his incredible level of his Vo2 power, Del Toro’s commitment and Vo2 power, and Tadej’s commitment to dominating this years’ Tour. It almost feels like this year is a revenge tour from last year’s experience. Everything from Visma trying to pummel him to the knee injury and illness," said Danielson

Danielson thinks Pogacar wants to quickly establish the pecking order this time around. "Three days in Tadej has delivered two big blows to Jonas in the TDF boxing match. Each hit takes energy, strength, recovery, and confidence from Jonas. To me, Tadej surely remembers how he felt after doing the double and seems like he intends to knock Jonas out before Jonas gains momentum later in the race."

The American former pro also highlights the strength of UAE Emirates-XRG. “Del Toro showed again he is one of the strongest riders in the race and how committed he is to Tadej with an absolutely all in lead out. If I were a rival, I would be very afraid as Tadej has the most incredible launch pad ever. It must feel like Cipoilini’s leadout train, just uphill!!"

The UAE team proved that they are the strongest team in the race. "[It's] wild how they just rode one rider at a time instead of rotating riders during the stage to control the race and bring back the breakaway," he said in amazement.

Danielson goes on to elaborate on the difference between the two top favorites. “Jonas being unable to follow Tadej’s acceleration after such fast pace making reveals more than just his explosive ability. At that speed the draft was quite strong and with Jonas’ smaller size and much lower weight should have been able to stay closer with the draft," the performance analyst claims.

"The difference was more than just the jump but also a difference in the raw VO2 ability of Pogacar and Del Toro," he concludes.