'Many are starting to get fed up with getting crushed' - Alex Baudin reveals impact of Tadej Pogacar's dominance

Alex Baudin (EF Education-EasyPost) admitted that he feels “in the peloton, many are starting to get fed up with getting crushed” by the irrepressible World Champion, Tadej Pogačar.

Speaking toDicodusport before Il Lombardia, the 24-year-old Frenchman stated, "Honestly, it's funny at first. But this year, unfortunately, my schedule has been very similar to Pogačar's. And, even without being defeatist, otherwise we wouldn't start, we know very well what's going to happen in the final."

“He's two legs ahead of everyone else. In the peloton, many are starting to get fed up with getting crushed,” said an honest Baudin. 

Baudin also explained how the Slovenian’s dominance and ability to win frequently with long-range solo attacks impact the racing dynamics within the peloton.

"It's true, it's great for cycling on television to see attacks 100 kilometres from the finish. But it also kills the suspense. Pogačar, he kills the race a bit. Every time he's there, everyone's chasing second place,” said Baudin.

Reflecting on his first Tour de France, where EF Education-EasyPost enjoyed a successful race with a stage win, yellow jersey stint, and 9th place finish, all for Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost), Baudin credited the entire team, stating, "We had a great group. And the Tour de France is an incredible experience. When I think back on it, I feel like it wasn't even real.”

Baudin was in great shape at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June, illustrated with a 6th place finish of stage 6’s summit finish to Combloux, where, despite being caught by the peloton from the breakaway, he held on to finish 6th on the stage, only behind Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike), Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike), and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep).

However, Baudin admitted to preparation mistakes that affected his personal performance when it came to La Grande Boucle in July. "With the team, we were at altitude before the Dauphiné. And when I go to altitude, I 'work' very well right afterwards. So it was at the Dauphiné that I had one of my best moments of the year," said Baudin. 

"But my level started to drop right at the start of the Tour. On top of that, I was sick: I caught a small virus, not very serious, but it didn't help,” said Baudin, who signalled his intent to target the Tour de France as his main goal once more in 2026.

When asked about his dream victory, Baudin's answer was simple, "I would dream of winning a stage of the Tour de France. It doesn't matter which one, it's so prestigious.”

Baudin also shared glowing praise for 19-year-old French talent Paul Seixas (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), who he raced with at a home European Championships for the French team, where the teenager ended 3rd. "It's impressive to see a young rider like him. He already has his head screwed on and is very mature for his age. I think he has that certain something of a great champion.”

"I truly believe he will become a big name in cycling and will leave his mark on the history of French cycling,” said Baudin.

Rounding out on his first season with EF Education-EasyPost with a 2nd place at the Japan Cup, Baudin spoke positively about team dynamics despite linguistic challenges among the 15 nationalities represented, compared to when he previously raced in a predominantly French environment in Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, which he left at the end of the 2024 season.

"There's a great atmosphere: at dinner, we all laugh together. And when we need to be serious, we know how to be," Baudin said, singling out Michael Valgren as a teammate he particularly connects with.