Tadej Pogacar Responds to Doping Accusations Regarding Tour de France Victory

Amidst the controversy, Tadej Pogacar responded to the doping accusations surrounding his Tour de France victory, firmly dismissing them as unfounded. He suggested that critics were attempting to undermine his achievements with their ongoing skepticism, which he views as an attempt to distract from his inevitable success.

Following his victory in the 19th stage, Pogacar described the stage as “100% perfect” and expressed his relief in being able to “enjoy tomorrow” after solidifying his lead in the yellow jersey. He highlighted the significance of this win, not just for his standing in the Tour de France, but also for its demonstration of his dedication and resilience.

Pogacar, who also won the Giro d’Italia in May, is on the verge of becoming the first man since Marco Pantani in 1998 to win both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year. This remarkable feat underscores his exceptional talent and endurance in the sport. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to cycling and his adherence to rigorous anti-doping protocols, underscoring that his performance is the result of hard work and discipline, not illicit substances.

He called on critics to respect the dedication and integrity of professional cyclists, who train relentlessly and compete at the highest levels of the sport. Pogacar’s stance is clear: the accusations are baseless, and his victories are a testament to his skill and determination. His focus remains on the competition, and he is determined not to let these distractions detract from his achievements.