Mathieu van der Poel secured the title of world champion, while Jonas Vingegaard won the Vélo d’Or award. However, many agree with the opinion that Tadej Pogacar could be considered the best cyclist in the world. The Slovenian had an impressive season on various terrains from February to October, accumulating no less than 17 victories throughout the year.
Highlight of the year
In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, he recalled his year. ‘The Tour of Flanders was my favorite moment of the year,’ Pogacar stated. ‘That was probably my best day on the bike.
When asked if he will participate in the Spring Classics and the Tour again next year, he said, “No idea. If I follow my heart, I’ll do anything, but that’s not how it works. I’d also like to do the Giro and the Vuelta. A bit of variety is better, but the team calls the shots.”
Excitement about the 9th stage of the Tour de France in 2024
Unlike his competitors, he is enthusiastic about the gravel stage of the Tour. “I don’t mind, and it doesn’t scare me. You need good legs, especially. You can’t compare a Tour de France to a one-day race. In the classics, you go ‘all in’ and don’t think about the next day. In the Tour, you’re more cautious and race more defensively.”
Big goal for 2024
Your major goal in 2024? ‘To take the rainbow jersey from Mathieu van der Poel. He’s a great guy,’ the Slovenian reveals, confirming his friendship with the Dutch rider.
‘I consider Mathieu a true friend, but also a rival. It’s not like between him and Wout, but we meet a few times a year for a serious duel. If I were a child today, he would be my idol,’ Tadej Pogacar concludes