‘Defence isn’t fun, for spectators or him’ – Tadej Pogačar’s need to protect big lead took shine off Tour de France in final week, says UAE sports manager

Tadej Pogačar’s team sports manager has given insight into why the Slovenian race defensively in the final week of the Tour de France, describing it as neither fun for him nor for the spectators.

In a marked contrast to the world champion’s propensity to attack, Pogačar rode conservatively in the final few mountain stages of the final week, defending a more-than-four-minute lead over Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) to ensure he brought home a fourth yellow jersey.