Pogacar reaffirms support for Del Toro's podium bid before Tour's queen stage
Tadej Pogacar reiterated that helping UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac Del Toro defend his podium place and the white jersey remains a priority on stage 20 of the Tour de France, while Remco Evenepoel admitted the race's final mountain stage will leave "no hiding" for any rider lacking the legs.
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Pogacar on Del Toro
After producing a record-breaking ascent of Alpe d'Huez to all but secure a fifth Tour title on Stage 19, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) said he enjoyed a restful evening despite celebrations continuing around the team's hotel.
"It was quite noisy. People in the village were really celebrating, but it was quiet by the time I went to sleep. The atmosphere was good. It was nice to get some fresh air in the mountains. I sat on the balcony to relax a bit, then went to bed," Pogačar told Eurosport.
Although the Slovenian is a well-known Eminem fan, he revealed he celebrated his latest victory in a quieter fashion.
"No Eminem tracks. I just FaceTimed with Urška [Žigart]."
Pogačar had already indicated after Friday's victory that the team would focus on helping Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) defend third place overall and the white jersey. Before stage 20, he reaffirmed that approach.
"I think so," Pogačar said when asked if he would support his teammate. "He chose a V5, so he's got great legs. We'll see how things go today. Keeping him in the white jersey could be a great goal."
Del Toro begins the stage 24 seconds ahead of Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) in both the general classification battle for third place and the young rider competition
Evenepoel on Col de Sarenne
While Pogačar's yellow jersey appears all but secured, Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) still has work to do as he looks to defend second place on the Tour's toughest stage.
"If the legs aren't there on stage 20, then nothing suits anyone."
"Everything always depends on how you feel and how well you've recovered from yesterday. You can't hide today: if the legs aren't there, you've got a problem," Evenepoel told Sporza.
The Belgian also discussed the nature of the Col de Sarenne, which will feature as a categorised ascent for the first time at the Tour, having previously featured once as a descent in 2013.
"It's a very irregular climb. A steep start, a flatter section, another steep part, a bit flatter again, and the last 5 kilometres are very tough. It's a series of steps up to the finish,” said Evenepoel. "It's certainly not an easy climb to have as the final pass of the Tour."
The Olympic champion starts the penultimate stage 7:11 behind Pogačar, but 2:31 ahead of Del Toro in third.
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