These days, it seems everyone wants to win the Tour de France. As if Tadej Pogačar didn’t already have his hands full fending of Visma-Lease A Bike’s high tech squad, now he’s got to take on star athletes from other sports, too. First triathlon racers. Now Novak Djokovic is looking to cross over. Maybe.
After Olympic triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt declared his intentions to win the Tour de France, the flood gates seem to have been opened. Many might have assumed it would be hard for an athlete late in their career to switch to an entirely new sport and very quickly win the most coveted, difficult prize in cycling. But if Bu can do it, why not others?
While out for a training ride, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis rider called out Pogačar before launching a blistering, high-cadence attack on his training partners. Djokovic posted the clip, adding the caption “Back in training. Setting new goals. Next stop, Tour de France.” He then again called out this year’s winner by name: “I’m coming for you, Tadej Pogačar.”
The dominant Slovenian cyclist probably isn’t worried just yet. While Blummenfelt is very serious about his cross-over potential, reportedly turning down a team offer because the coaches allowed the riders rest day beers after the Tour de France, Djokovic’s claims to the Tour title are obviously a little more lighthearted.
But wouldn’t it be cool if he tried? Actually, wouldn’t it be awesome to have some sort of series where star athlete take each other on in their home turf? Djokovic could start the Tour. Pogačar could line up for an NHL game. Connor McDavid could join the Toronto Maple Leafs at a golf course. John Daly could take on Blummenfelt in a triathlon. It’d be great to see just how specialized these athletes are in their incredible feats. And how adept some of them might be at trying a new sport.
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