Pogacar unfazed by De Vlaeminck's 'overrated' criticism - 'It doesn't change anything in my life'

In an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai Sport, Pogačar responded to De Vlaeminck's critique with characteristic composure: "I evaluate myself. If someone overestimates me, I don't mind. If someone underestimates me, I don't mind either. It doesn't change anything in my life."

The 78-year-old De Vlaeminck had made his controversial remarks in Het Laatste Nieuws, comparing Pogačar unfavourably to his own great rival Eddy Merckx. "Pogačar doesn't even reach his toes," the Belgian stated. "Let me be 22 and race like Pogačar, he won't let me go." Incidentally, Pogačar has previously stated regarding his comparison to 'the cannibal' Eddy Merckx, saying "I don’t really like that comparison."

Despite the criticism from the four-time Paris-Roubaix winner, Pogačar appears focused on his future racing plans rather than engaging in a war of words. The Slovenian champion discussed the possibility of competing in the Vuelta a España in 2026, the only Grand Tour missing from his impressive palmarès.

"It doesn't fit very well with the World Championships calendar (September 20-27 in Montreal) but it's very good that it starts in Monaco," said Pogačar, referring to the Spanish Grand Tour that will begin on August 22 in his place of residence and conclude on September 13.

A potential Vuelta victory would complete a remarkable Grand Tour hat-trick for Pogačar, who has already claimed multiple victories in both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. However, the Slovenian remained non-committal about his programme for next season.

"We will talk about the programs in December, I don't know yet," he concluded.