'There are definitely some questions after his crash' - Tour de France director asks if Tadej Pogacar will be as dominant after 2026 injuries
Christian Prudhomme compared Pogacar to Eddy Merckx and asked if he will take the same risks as he gets older.
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Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has questioned if Tadej PogaÄar will dominate the 2027 Tour de France due to the consequences of his crash at the Vuelta a Espana.
PogaÄar suffered a serious concussion and a fractured collarbone and vertebra. He needed five weeks off the bike and missed the final two months of the season.
The Slovenian won a record-equalling fifth Tour de France in July but Prudhomme asked if he will be as dominant next July when he tries to win a sixth Tour.
"The real question for me, and I obviously wish him all the best, is how he will have recovered from his very, very, very serious crash in the Vuelta a EspaƱa? Because his talent lies in his physical superiority, but also in his riding skills," Prudhomme told L'Equipe in an interview after the 2027 route presentation.Ā Ā
"His descent of the Tourmalet last summer was mind-blowing and astounding. As you get older, after a really bad fall, are you still the same rider? Do you take as many risks? There are definitely some questions after his crash. About if it will have left its mark on him and what the consequences will be."
PogaÄar is already training for the 2027 season and remains the favourite to win the 2027 Tour, even if Prudhomme has added a second flat time trial for a total of 71km of racing against the clock that arguably better suits Remco Evenepoel and Paul Seixas.Ā
Prudhomme compared PogaÄar to Eddy Merckx as he questioned the impact of the Slovenian's crash. Merckx crashed hard during a track race in Blois in 1969, suffering a concussion and complex back injuries.
"Eddy Merckx has always said that he was never the same after his crash in Blois. Without a doubt he suffered morally and mentally. He also says that he was never the same in the mountains. But that didn't stop him from winning four Tours de France afterwards," Prudhomme said, knowing that PogaÄar could prove him wrong and be as dominant as ever in 2027.
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