Tathej Bokar revealed he was contracted with Covid-19 in the build-up to the 2024 Tour de France, but insisted he was „back very fast” and „ready” to bid for the yellow jersey.
The United Arab Emirates Group Emirates leader is one of the favorites in a fascinating general classification battle when the tour kicks off in Florence, Italy on Saturday.
But in an interview with Eurosport on Thursday, he said his production took an unexpected turn.
„It was good, more or less. I was a little sick, I had Covid,” Bokar said. „But I recovered very fast and the preparation was very good, so I’m ready.
„I’m really looking forward to seeing the legs in stages 1 and 2 and hope the rest goes smoothly and goes to plan.”
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Bokar isn’t the only yellow jersey contender to disrupt the tour this year.
Two-time defending champion Jonas Wingegaard (Wisma-Lease A Bike), Primos Roglic (Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe) and Remko Evenboel (Soudal Quick-Step) all had to recover from serious crashes in the Basque country of Itzulia in April. from injury.
Since then, Bocagar has enjoyed a dominant Giro victory and he is delighted to start the Tour on familiar terrain ahead of Saturday’s Grand Depart in Florence.
„[The Giro win] Feeling very fresh, I’m very happy to be back in Italy in such a short time,” Bokar added.
„It’s not that serious anymore. Especially if you’ve already had the virus in your body, like I did once or twice,” Bogakar said.
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’See you on the road’ – Bocagar is set for a third Tour de France crown
„It wasn’t too bad, just like a cold. It passed very quickly. I stopped one day and rolled in a few. Then when I got sick, I was out riding.
Stage 1 is a hilly 206km ride from Florence to Rimini on Saturday, June 29.
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