Daniel Martínez challenges the leader of the Giro d’Italia, Tadeg Pogacar: ‘He is not unbeatable’

Daniel Martinezthe Colombian cyclist of the team bora, He had no rest, like the other runners, this Monday in the Italy spina race in which he is second overall.

The runner from Soacha (Cundinamarca) had a meeting with the media covering the test and EL TIEMPO was at the press conference virtually.

Is Pogacar unbeatable?

He is not unbeatable, rather he is strong, which is something else. The exhibitions he puts on are of high quality. The Giro is long and the last week in the dolomites will be very difficult days. I have legs and I will surely try to attack him. What we must do is focus on our race and closely monitor their movements and those of the other opponents.

How to hurt Pogacar?
He is a runner phenomenon, everyone knows that. When he launches his attacks he becomes almost unreachable, but that’s where you have to stay calm and know what to do. Let’s see when it can hurt him. We came to the Giro knowing that Pogacar was the big favorite.

What do you know about Saturday’s time trial?
It is 31 difficult kilometers. I already did the 41 km well and without surprises. It all depends on how he is for Saturday. It is a special day for everyone, for the Giro, for the general classification.

Do you have an estimate for that day?
The route is flat, there are no climbs like the previous one and I will try to defend myself as much as I can. Say how much I’m going to lose, because no one knows that. We have worked to ensure that the result meets our expectations.

How to face the race with other rivals nearby?
We must be very careful with the movements of teams like Ineos, Ag2r, who are lurking. We maintain the hope of making a good Giro. So far everything has gone well for us and we hope nothing changes.

How do you feel about being the leader of the Bora team?
It has been a great opportunity that the team has given me since I arrived last year. We agreed to bet the Giro on him and they took a chance on me. Everything comes at the right time and I think that being in second place overall is a very good thing, but the Giro is not over. There are two tough weeks left and we hope to arrive in Rome in the best possible position. Let’s take it easy.

What does your performance this year tell you?
Compared to the previous one it is much better, because always the first week and in big races is the best for me. This team is different. I have a very good group around me and that gives me a lot of excitement to do things well, as I have been doing.