The Slovenian cycling phenomenon may have finished an impressive second place in its beginnings “Hell of the North” last weekend. However, it was his wrist – or rather, what was there – who caught the attention of fans in the eyes of the eagle during the miles of fence.
When horror meets hell
While Pogačar was fighting against the closing sections of the cobblestones of the bone race, fans of sharp eyes watches noticed something alarming: his glove of Emirates of the white water team was more and more stained with blood.
The culprit? Its Richard Mille RM 67-02 watch – A featherweight titanium watch worth around $ 250,000.
While most cyclists would not dream of carrying anything who adds unnecessary grams during the 260 km race, the candies of the Pogačar wrist were not an ordinary accessory. The Richard Mille – carried within the framework of the partnership of the Emirates Water Team with the Swiss luxury watchmaker – has become an unlikely protagonist of the drama of the day.
Unlike the mountains of the Tour de France, where Pogačar generally dominates, the legendary legendary sectors of Paris-Roubaix have shown no respect for its status as champion by reigning tour or bracelet clothes of a quarter of a million pounds.
In relation: Does your watch look difficult? Try Watch Watch Cleaner
A bloody timer
The irony was not lost for bicycle fans: a watch designed for elite athletes, carried by the most elite athlete of cycling, doing blood during one of the most elite events in sport.
Social media quickly completed comments on Pogačar's decision to run with such a expensive article.
Some fans have suggested that a Casio budget could have been more appropriate for the paving stones. Others wondered if the UCI should regulate the watch for security reasons. Some have noted that his compatriot Richard Mille Mille Ambassador Mathieu Van Der Poel – who won the race for his third consecutive victory in Paris -Roubaix – emerged with his unscathed wrist.
The accident that changed everything
With 38 km remaining and still fighting alongside Van der Poel, Pogačar has exceeded a corner of sector 9, after motorcycles with too much speed and tumbled on the grass.
“I should know that there is a corner, so no apology,” admitted Pogačar after the race. The accident forced a change of bicycle and indeed ended his chances of victory. He finished second by just over a minute behind Van der Poel.
Richard Mille's lifestyle
Despite the accident and ruthless cobblestones, the Poggy watch remained firmly attached to its wrist even during its post-course shower in the famous Roubaix Velodrome installations.
For the readers of familiar Dmarge with the philosophy of Richard Mille of “a wrist racing machine”, the bloody glove of Pogačar represents the ultimate will of the brand's commitment to performance in extreme conditions. Few luxury watches may claim to have survived both a victory for the Tour de France and the pavement of the north of France, while doing the blood of their owner.
Monument
Despite bloody distraction, Pogačar's performance should not be overlooked. His second place corresponds to the legendary Eddy Merckx as the only reigning champion of the Tour de France to finish second in Paris-Roubaix.
The result also completes the remarkable collection of monuments of Pogačar, now being on the podium in the five races of the most prestigious day of cycling in the last 12 months: 2nd in Paris -Roubaix, 1st at the Flandre tour, 3rd in Milan -San Remo, 1st in Il Lombardia, and 1st in Liege – Bastogne – Liège.
“I can win it,” Pogačar said in Paris-Roubaix after his beginnings. And after watching him run with a watch of $ 250,000 that cuts in his wrist without complaining, who would doubt him?
Perhaps the Emirates Water team could consider the overhaul of their Richard Mille suspenders before the season of next year's cobblestones. Or, at the very least, offer Pogačar a red glove with his left hand.
For all your news from Luxury Watch and the latest people from Cycling's elite watches, register in Dmarge – where what matters to men is always on our wrists and minds.
