Politt on Pogacar's fifth Tour de France bid: 'We have to slow him down sometimes'

Nils Politt knows what is expected of him at the Tour de France. From the opening kilometres in Barcelona to the final stage in Paris, his role is to shield Tadej Pogačar from stress, complications and unnecessary risks.

“My job is to help Tadej Pogačar, who in my view is currently the best professional cyclist in the world,” Politt told German broadcaster Sportschau. “For the seven other riders in the team, it is all about keeping Tadej out of all stress.”

That responsibility begins immediately. The Tour opens with a team time trial in Barcelona, a discipline that suits Politt’s power but could already create significant gaps between the general classification contenders.

Politt believes some riders could lose between 20 and 30 seconds on the opening day. UAE have prepared specifically for the stage and, he says, will arrive with ambitions of winning it.

Politt joined UAE from Bora Hansgrohe before the 2024 season and has since become a regular part of Pogačar’s teams at both the Tour and the spring Classics.

The move has meant putting aside most of his personal ambitions, but Politt describes that as a deliberate choice rather than a sacrifice he regrets.

“I was never a great sprinter or a brilliant climber,” he said. “But I have always been strong in time trials, and that requires a willingness to sacrifice yourself. I really enjoy being a helper for the best rider in the best team in the world.”

There are occasional opportunities to ride for his own result. During the 2025 Tour, Politt and Tim Wellens were given permission to join the breakaway on the road to Carcassonne, where Wellens went on to win the stage.

Such freedom remains the exception.

“You cannot attack every second stage and try to get into the breakaway,” Politt said. “The main task is to support the rider going for the general classification.”

The work is not limited to riding on the front of the peloton or collecting bottles. Politt described the role as a constant mental test, requiring concentration from kilometre zero until the finish throughout all 21 stages.

“You have to be ready at every moment to deal with something unexpected,” he said. “You have to remain focused for three weeks. It is not an easy job.”

Pogačar’s racing style can make that job less predictable. According to Politt, the Slovenian often decides during a stage that the original plan no longer applies.

Before some stages, the team’s sports director will simply ask Pogačar when he intends to attack. Even when he gives an answer, circumstances in the race can persuade him to act differently.

“Sometimes he changes his mind during the race, depending on the situation,” Politt said. “You do not really need to develop a fixed strategy for him.”

That spontaneity is central to Pogačar’s success, but there are moments when his teammates would prefer him to show more restraint.

“We sometimes have to slow him down when he wants too much, for example when he wants to get involved in a sprint,” Politt said. “He should leave that alone. It is far too dangerous for a general classification rider.”

Away from the intensity of racing, Politt describes Pogačar as relaxed and humorous. He also credits the Slovenian with creating an atmosphere that makes his teammates willing to commit fully to his ambitions.

“He is an outstanding team player,” Politt said. “He manages to make every one of us want to give everything for him.”

UAE’s own strength extends well beyond Pogačar. Isaac del Toro will make his Tour debut after winning the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in June, and Politt believes the 22-year-old Mexican could combine his support duties with a high overall finish.

“He is a phenomenal helper for the mountains,” Politt said. “Despite riding in support of Pogačar, he can finish in the top five of the general classification.”

Del Toro joins Adam Yates, Brandon McNulty, Felix Großschartner, Florian Vermeersch, Tim Wellens and Politt in support of Pogačar. João Almeida, Marc Soler, Jhonatan Narváez and Pavel Sivakov were among the prominent riders not selected.

For Politt, there is little ambiguity about where his own priorities lie. His chances to pursue breakaways or personal results may be limited, but a fifth Tour victory for Pogačar would provide its own reward.

“It is special to be there when a rider from your team wins the Tour,” he said.