Wiggins outraged over INEOS' celebration after Paris-Nice: "As if they were a French team"

With Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice wrapped up, there’s plenty to discuss in the cycling world. Bradley Wiggins did just that alongside Johan Bruyneel in the THEMOVE podcast, where the Brit analyzed the key players from the past week and shared his expectations for Milan-Sanremo on Saturday.

Wiggins started by discussing his fellow Brit, Tom Pidcock. "I’m impressed by Tom since he left INEOS. He looks much more mature, as if he’s finally able to take responsibility. I saw the interview where he said he let Ayuso go. Maybe he was a bit surprised, but that’s better than how he handled things in the past. If he can maintain this focus going into the Giro, he can fight for the podium there."

"He’s been presented as the next British winner of the Tour de France. This is his make-or-break year, where he has to prove himself." In the Tour de France, Wiggins also expects big things from Matteo Jorgenson, the winner of Paris-Nice. "Jorgenson can win the Tour one day. His aura reminds me of someone like Miguel Indurain. Off the bike, he is very calm. A great leader."

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Wiggins expects big things from Jorgenson over time

"It will have to be in a year when Pogačar isn’t at his best—or isn’t there at all," said Wiggo. "Just like Jonas Vingegaard last year. You can’t expect Tadej to win every year, as sad as that may be. With his current dominance, it’s hard to see anyone else winning, but Matteo has the qualities to do it. Whether he actually manages it or not, that’s how highly I rate him."

For Jorgenson, this Paris-Nice victory is a major milestone. "This was one of the hardest editions of Paris-Nice I’ve ever seen. Jonas [Vingegaard] could have given him something in return for July, but it’s still early in the season. No matter what, Tadej is going to be the big favorite for this year’s Tour."

Wiggins also expressed surprise at INEOS' excitement after winning the final stage of Paris-Nice. "INEOS used to be a team that aimed to win all three grand tours, and now winning a stage in Paris-Nice is considered a big success. It’s like Manchester United—the whole perception of success has changed. It’s as if they’re a French team now, celebrating a stage win in Paris-Nice. A few years ago, they wouldn’t have even gone for that. It’s remarkable, considering their budget, their riders, and their structure."

In Tirreno-Adriatico, Wiggins was particularly impressed by Filippo Ganna from INEOS. "Ganna is part of a new breed of riders, just like Mads Pedersen. It’s completely different from what I did, or from Johan’s era. These guys are such incredible athletes that, despite their weight, they can handle just about anything." What does that mean for Milan-Sanremo on Saturday? "They know where Van der Poel and Pogačar are going to attack, but they still need to try something different."

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