Tadej Pogacar, the reigning champion of the Giro d’Italia, is eagerly anticipating his return to the site of his triumphant victory in 2024 as he gears up to kick off this summer’s Tour de France. This year’s Grand Depart will be held in Italy for the first time ever, marking the 100th anniversary of Ottavio Bottecchia’s historic win as the first Italian to conquer the Tour. The UAE Team Emirates recently unveiled a formidable lineup for the 21 stages of the iconic race, with the likes of Adam Yates from Great Britain set to provide crucial support to the Slovenian sensation.
As Pogacar prepares for his fifth appearance at the Tour de France, he expressed his excitement about the upcoming challenge. He emphasized the team’s dedication and hard work in the lead-up to the event, aiming to deliver three weeks of thrilling racing for the fans. Returning to Italy, where he secured his previous victory in the Giro, holds special significance for Pogacar, who noted the positive momentum carried over from his earlier success.
Having already claimed two Tour de France titles, in addition to his recent Giro d’Italia triumph, Pogacar is no stranger to success on the big stage. The inclusion of talented riders such as Spain’s Juan Ayuso, Marc Soler, France’s Pavel Sivakov, and Germany’s Nils Politt in the UAE Team Emirates squad further strengthens their chances at the Tour. The diverse lineup also features Portugal’s Joao Almeida and Belgium’s Tim Wellens, forming a cohesive group that Pogacar believes is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Following a brief break post-Giro, Pogacar and his teammates have been diligently focused on their Tour de France preparations. Training sessions at high altitudes and extensive time spent in the saddle have honed their physical and mental readiness for the demanding race. Pogacar exuded confidence in the team’s collective mindset and shared his eagerness to hit the road and showcase their competitive spirit at the Tour.
Adam Yates, a strong contender in his own right with a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Tour de France, echoed Pogacar’s sentiments on the team’s unity and determination. He emphasized their shared goal of supporting Pogacar towards another victory, highlighting the importance of staying focused and working cohesively until the final stretch in Nice. With the team’s strategic approach and unwavering dedication, Yates believes that success is within reach at this year’s Tour.
Webpressnews and discovery+ will be the go-to platforms for fans to catch all the live action and updates from the Tour de France, scheduled to run from June 29 to July 21. As the streaming home of this prestigious event, viewers can expect comprehensive coverage of the thrilling races, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments that define the world of professional cycling. With Pogacar leading the charge and a talented team by his side, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown at the Tour de France this summer.
