Delayed by herpes viruses?: Pogacar after tour collapse: “I’m dead”

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Tadej Pogacar (24) warily says after his collapse on the climb to the Col de la Loze in stage 17: “I’m dead.” He is now 7:35 minutes behind tour guide Jonas Vingegaard (26).

The Slovenian lost almost six minutes to his great opponent in this year’s queen stage of the Grande Boucle last Wednesday. In the final climb, which Pogacar himself described as one of the toughest in the world, he radioed his team UAE Emirates: “I’m completely exhausted.”

Pogacar weakened by herpes infection?

“I don’t know what happened. I just came into the final climb very empty. It’s extremely disappointing.” Pogacar struggles to find an explanation for his breakdown. One possible approach is herpes viruses, which could weaken the Slovenes. Dr Dirk Tenner, one of the team doctors on the Ineos team, told Eurosport: “A viral herpes infection can have a major impact on the immune system and also weaken performance.”

With Pogacar, the blisters are visible on the lips. Even if the symptoms subside after a few days, it can affect the performance of an elite athlete. On the other hand, after breaking his wrist, Pogacar had little time to build up form in preparation. It is quite possible that he also had to pay tribute to this circumstance.

Therefore, Pogacar has not yet written off the tour. But the focus is probably on keeping his podium. (dti)

Source : Blick