"I've always wanted to race the Giro d'Italia, and now I think I'm at the right age to do the two Grand Tours. I feel ready for this new challenge." After yesterday's announcement by the organizers of the Giro d'Italia, Tadej Pogacar, in a press conference from Spain where he is training, confirms that he will be at the start of the 'pink race'. His goal is clear, he aims to win both in Italy and France in the same year, a feat that Marco Pantani last achieved in 1998. Fausto Coppi did so in 1949 and 1952, Jacques Anquetil in 1964, Eddy Merckx in 1970, 1972 and 1974, Bernard Hinault in 1982 and 1985, StephenRoche in 1987 and Miguel Indurain in 1992 and 1993. "Tadej is 25 years old, he needed a new challenge and he is ready to accept it," said Joxean Fernandez Matxin, sporting director of the Pogacar team sponsored by the United Arab Emirates. He's ambitious, and if anyone can do it, it's him. He's the greatest rider I've ever seen in my entire career. It's special."
"'Next year there will be a lot of pasta and pizza on the menu,' jokes Pogacar, explaining that he will spend a lot of time in Italy, "also for reconnaissance" in preparation for the Giro, where, according to Matxin, "he will clearly aim for victory". But there is also the Tour: "let's be clear that I want to regain first place," Pogacar stressed. "
All rights reserved © Copyright ANSA