Pogacar Targets First Gold Race Victory on Sunday While Schmid Aims to Upset Expectations
Pogacar looks to continue his impressive form
UAE Team Emirates’ 22-year old cyclist Tadej Pogacar has been in electric form in recent times, winning the Tour de France and becoming Slovenia’s first ever cycling Olympic gold medallist. Pogacar has set his sights on the first ‘new-look’ UCI WorldTour race, the Giro dell’Emilia, or widely known as the GP Emilia.
The race and its challenges
The 198km course starts and ends in Bologna, Italy, and features 10 climbs, including the famous San Luca climb. The race is expected to be one of the toughest on the calendar and will test the endurance and tactics of the riders.
Challenge from Schmid
Pogacar will face stiff competition from Swiss rider Marc Hirschi and Czech cyclist Jan Hirt, but could face an unexpected challenge from Swiss youngster Joel Suter. Suter’s compatriot, Gino Mader, put in a strong performance in the recently concluded Il Lombardia, and Suter will hope to follow in his footsteps while shattering expectations.
Pogacar confident ahead of the race
Pogacar, however, is unfazed by the competition and is confident of his chances at the GP Emilia. In a recent press conference, he said, “I’m feeling really good and think I have the legs for the race. We’ve been preparing well, and I’m looking forward to racing in Italy again.”
Implications for the UCI world rankings
The GP Emilia is the first event to take place after the UCI major revision to the world rankings, which will result in a shift in the rankings. The participating cyclists will be eager to perform well and improve their rankings.
Summary
22-year-old Tadej Pogacar is aiming for his first Gold Race victory on Sunday at the GP Emilia. Pogacar, who is in form, will face stiff competition from an unexpected challenge from Swiss youngster Joel Suter, among others. The challenging course will test the tactical skills and endurance of the riders, and their performances will have implications for the revised UCI world rankings. #SPORT