As the Tour de France pauses for a rest day, defending champion Tadej Pogacar shared his insights on the pivotal second week ahead, blending relaxation with anticipation. After a visit to the barber and savoring a burger at a French café, the Slovenian cyclist is eager to return to the race. Here’s a breakdown of his expectations for the upcoming stages.

Condensed but Intense Week

Pogacar described the opening week as grueling, marked by intense heat, fatigue, and relentless competition, particularly from Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma team. He noted that the second week, though shorter by a day, will feel “incredibly fast” due to its packed schedule. Unlike the extended first week, this brevity promises a rapid-fire series of challenges that could reshape the leaderboard.

New Contenders Stir the Race

The emergence of new talents like race leader Ben Healy and rising star Kevin Vauquelin has added unpredictability, according to Pogacar. “The peloton is stacked, making the fight for the yellow jersey and even the podium fiercely competitive,” the 26-year-old said. He predicts the lead might shift, particularly on the daunting Hautacam climb in the Pyrenees. “I hope Healy feels the strain,” Pogacar added with a competitive edge, aiming to reclaim the yellow jersey.

Key Stages to Watch

Reflecting on past races, Pogacar highlighted the 11km uphill time-trial to Peyragudes as a stage he’s particularly excited about, alongside the Hautacam ascent. “I’m really looking forward to these,” he said, recalling how a time-trial and mountain stage in 2023 tested him. These stages could prove decisive in his pursuit of a fourth Tour de France title.

A Shift in Dynamics

Unlike the typical medium mountain stages of week two, which often see breakaways, Pogacar expects significant time gaps this year. “It’s going to be as tough as the final week,” he predicted, suggesting the intensity could play to his strengths. He believes the challenging terrain will create opportunities for him to gain an edge.

Letting Rivals Make the First Move

Currently second, 29 seconds behind Healy, with Remco Evenepoel and Vingegaard trailing further, Pogacar feels no urgency to attack. “It’s on them to make a move if they want to catch up,” he said confidently. With a strategic mindset, he’s poised to capitalize on any aggressive plays by his competitors.

As the Tour de France resumes, Pogacar’s blend of optimism and tactical acumen sets the stage for a thrilling week of racing.