‘Vingegaard did not even try' - Pogacar and Del Toro react to devastating Tour attack
Tadej Pogacar delivered a major blow to Jonas Vingegaard in the first serious mountain test of the Tour de France. After the finish, television cameras captured Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac del Toro discussing the decisive attack and Vingegaard’s response.
Make us your Google favourite
Del Toro had played a crucial role in setting up Pogačar’s move. The Mexican increased the pace on the Tourmalet before Pogačar launched the acceleration that left his main rival unable to respond.
While the two UAE riders were cooling down after the stage, Pogačar jokingly praised Del Toro for the speed of his effort.
“You went really fast. I mean, for you,” Pogačar told his teammate with a smile.
Del Toro then turned the conversation towards Vingegaard and the moment they attacked.
“He did not even try,” Del Toro said.
Pogačar appeared unsurprised that Vingegaard had decided against immediately following the move.
“No, because he knew. He knew we were going to do this,” the Slovenian replied.
Although Pogačar looked dominant as he distanced Vingegaard, the Tour leader admitted that the effort had hurt more than it may have appeared.
“I was also suffering a little bit,” Pogačar said. “If it had been one more kilometre to the top, I…”
The television broadcast cut away before he could complete the sentence, but his meaning was clear. Del Toro’s pace had taken its toll, even on Pogačar.
Live the Tour with Factor
Founded by former pro and carbon-engineering pioneer, Rob Gitelis, Factor’s core is defined by a spirit of invention and risk-taking to push the limits of what a performance bicycle can be. But the goal is more than just performance. Our bikes are a catalyst for experience, emotion, and discovery. They are freedom made physical.
