Pogačar like Messi, Mbappe and Haaland, says Contador

Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador believes Tadej Pogačar brings a level of excitement akin to footballers Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

(L-R) Kylian Mbappe, Tadej Pogačar, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi

(L-R) Kylian Mbappe, Tadej Pogačar, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi Source: Getty Images

WATCH Pogačar and all the 2021 Tour de France Stage 13 action from 20:30 AEST tonight on SBS, SBS OnDemand, with the race coverage starting on the SBS SKODA Tour Tracker from 19:55 AEST.
Pogačar is aiming for back-to-back titles at La Grand Boucle and currently holds a 5’18” lead over closest general classification challenger Rigoberto Uran of EF Education-Nippo.

Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and Geraint Thomas were two riders tipped to usurp the 22-year-old in Paris, however injuries have since played their part, forcing the Welshman to support Ineos teammate Richard Carapaz, with Roglic already out.
Contador, meanwhile, views the ever-present Pogačar as the complete package in cycling, and one fans will come to call a household name much like his football counterparts.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a great talent in such a young rider,” Contador told Eurosport.

“You know that Tadej can have a good day or a bad day but when you see him racing you feel that he is someone special.

“For example, when footballers like Mbappe, Haaland or Messi compete, you know that they do different things and that people pay tickets to see people like that.

“Pogačar is the same in cycling because, as well as competing, he always puts on a show and helps everyone to enjoy themselves.”

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Published 9 July 2021 9:10am
By SBS Cycling Central
Source: SBS


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