interview | Jan Polanc on friend Pogacar: “Tadej lost his passport in Australia, but remained very comfortable at the time”

When Pogačar was young, Polan’s father takes him under his wing. Around that time, Pollan met his future leader for the first time. “I was really a professional at Lamprey,” the Giro d’Italia two-stage winner recalls. “When he was young, I could still defeat Tadig uphill, haha. But I had to go deep into releasing him and sometimes I couldn’t.”

“The fact that he later signed for Team Emirates was not necessarily because of me. We already knew Andre Hauptmann (current Team Emirates captain, editor) Andre used to drive for the team himself. But overall it was basically Tadej being his pick.”

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The first race that Pogačar has ridden as a professional is the Tour Down Under. He’s doing well in 13th, but Pollan is impressed with his teammate with something completely different. He lost his passport in Australia. Some might get anxious, but Tadig remained calm.

“He went to find out and arrange everything himself. He was still young and for the first time away from home, but kept comfortable and only stayed for two days in Australia. He is also a comfortable boy out of the cycling room. Another advantage: He never snores at night, haha.”

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Polanke tells the tales about Bogar with a laugh, but after a moment adds that his calm nature is Bogar’s great strength. “Tadig knows what he wants and he came to the WorldTour with a winning mentality. He wanted to win right away and wasn’t afraid to compete with experienced riders.”

“He picks things up quickly and applies them. He has the physical qualities, but he’s also incredibly strong. I’ve ridden with him so many races this year and not once did I notice that he feels extra pressure. Good thing for us and the country that Tadig can wear that pressure for another fifteen years.” Given his age.”

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  Tadej Pojjakar

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  Jean Polanc