After breaking his wrist in a car accident in Liège-Bastogne-Liège Tad Pogachar (UAE Emirates Team) will soon start riding again on the road, with altitude training immediately on the agenda as the Slovenian works hard to prepare for his delayed race Tour de France Get back on track.
“We’re hoping in the next two or three days, he’ll be able to start cycling on the road, he’s spent a lot of time on the pulleys, working, running, climbing exercises and all the hand therapy,” said Mauro Ja of the Emirates team. Mauro Gianetti, chief executive of Emirates cycling news.
“Now is the time for us to really start hitting the road.”
Before Liege crash leaves Pogacha out And capping off his impressive string of victories – Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race and La Fletche Vallon – the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France winner had been planning to Take a break before heading to the Sierra Nevada in mid-May to prepare for another pursuit of the yellow jersey.
The key question now, however, is how a complete and unexpected stop on the road will affect Pogačar’s form, and whether it could cause problems at the Grand Tour in July.
“At least two to three weeks after he resumes training as normally planned … we’ll see,” Gianetti said. “We know he’s Tadej Pogačar, but that will also depend on how likely it is to maintain form rather than decline. too much.”
To minimize delays in preparations, Pogačar will begin training on high-altitude roads, which Gianetti said will show how much the April 23 crash has taken a toll on his health
“Until we see what he can do away from home, it’s hard to say,” Gianetti said. “We need to observe a week away and then determine how much he has lost based on the situation.”
Regular pre-tour testing at the Critérium du Dauphiné from 4-11 June, Tour de Suisse from 11-18 June, Tour of Slovenia from 14-18 June, Pogačar is the defending champion, but Gianetti said any decision on whether he can use either of those events as part of his buildup will have to wait.
“It’s too early to say because he’s just starting to hit the road now and it might be complicated to race the Dauphin or the Tour of Switzerland.”
However, with just over five weeks to go Tour de Francelast year Pogačar was second behind Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) and despite injury-induced preparation delays, there is no doubt that this year is still determined to do everything possible to try and recapture the yellow.
“It’s the bike, it’s the sport,” Gianetti said. “We’re confident but we know it’s going to be a tough road and we need to stay focused and work hard.”