Carlos Sainz after the Azerbaijan GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Sainz praises world champion: 'Incredible to call him a friend!'

09:08, 13 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

Carlos Sainz is glad to have a good relationship with Tour de France winner and current world champion Tadej Pogacar.

"He's one of the best athletes I've ever met, and having the pleasure of being able to call him a friend now is incredible."

- Carlos Sainz

As they both live in Monaco, Sainz and the Slovenian frequently go for rides in the area, something they sometimes share on social media.

The Spaniard is glad to have the two-time Tour de France champion as a friend.

"Yes, of those of us who live here in Monaco now, well, I'd say he's one of my best friends right now, one of the ones I see the most. We go out to dinner together a lot, we go cycling.

"I always say, we don't go cycling, he goes cycling with me, because it's a different level of cycling, and we go for coffee, we go for focaccia, and we catch up, we talk about our sports."

Carlos Sainz cycling on the Baku City Circuit - Photo: Race Pictures

The Spaniard explained that the best cyclist in the world right now is a fan of Formula 1 as well. "He's a big follower of mine and of Formula 1, and we have a great time, honestly."

After winning the Tour this summer, along with the World and European Championships, Pogacar also secured his third consecutive Il Lombardia victory last weekend.

"I admire him so much because he's a super humble, super approachable person.

"He's a very down-to-earth guy, I don't know how to describe him. He's one of the best athletes I've ever met, and having the pleasure of being able to call him a friend now is incredible."

While the most important races of the cycling season are now over, Sainz and Formula 1 still have six weekends ahead.

Up next is the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, where the Spaniard finished second last season with Ferrari. Check out the schedule for this weekend here!

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