Pogačar’s class shows through with 6th in the GP Indurain

In 14 days of competition in his first World Tour season, Tadej Pogačar has already shown flashes of his class. Even today, in the GP Miguel Indurain, 192.9 km, his talent allowed him to make the final and play for a prestigious result.

The race ran around Navarre, with a particularly challenging course of three climbs and a long series rises that left only 20 riders to compete for the final.

The young Slovenian of UAE Team Emirates made his move on the downhill stretch between the Alto de Muru, 6 km from the finish line, and the start of the Alto Ibarra climb. Pogačar lengthened gap thanks to a high and powerful cadence, pushing his Colnago more than 70km per hour downhill and gaining an advantage of 8″ on his pursuers.

However, the margin was not enough to avoid Jonathan Hivert (Direct Energie) from overtaking him in the first section of the Alto Ibarra. The French rider proved to be successful and at 9″ behind him, was a group of six riders, led by Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and including Pogačar, 6th.

Pogačar: “The race was very demanding and, considering the presence of many quality riders, I’m satisfied with the result.

“I’m back at the races after a month off, I was curious to check my condition: I’m glad I felt good.

“In the descent towards Alto Ibarra, I tried to anticipate the other riders of the leading group, but Hivert was too strong. Congratulations to him. It was a good test for me, it leaves me confident for the upcoming Itzulia Basque Country.”

Result:

1 Jonathan Hivert (Fra) Direct Energie 4h47’56”
2 Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) Astana 9″
3 Sergio Higuita (Col) Fundacion Euskadi s.t.
6 Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates s.t.