Tadej Pogacar’s Heartfelt Verdict After Stunning Performance Lands Him Triple Crown at World Road Race Championship
Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar delivered yet another awe-inspiring performance on Sunday, claiming the men’s elite road race at the UCI World Championships in Zurich. With his triumph, Pogacar etched his name in the history books, becoming only the third male rider ever to achieve cycling’s illustrious “Triple Crown” – a combination of victories in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and the World Road Race Championship.
The 26-year-old’s victory was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the relentless tenacity that has defined his career. Pogacar broke away from the peloton with over 50 kilometers remaining in the 274km race, sustaining a solo effort that defied the grueling climbs and elite competition chasing him.
Crossing the finish line with a 34-second advantage over Australia’s Ben O’Connor, and with Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel rounding off the podium in third, Pogacar could hardly contain his emotion. “I cannot believe what just happened,” he said. “After this kind of season, I put a lot of pressure on myself for today. But to come out with this win is something I’ll cherish forever.”
His victory in Zurich adds the coveted rainbow jersey to an already remarkable collection that includes two Tour de France titles and this year’s Giro d’Italia win. Pogacar’s feat now places him alongside cycling legends Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche as one of only three riders to have completed the prestigious Triple Crown. The last cyclist to accomplish this was Roche back in 1987.
A Record-Breaking Year for Pogacar
Pogacar’s victory capped a season of dominance that saw him claim multiple wins in major cycling events. Earlier this year, he became the first cyclist in 26 years to win both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same season. His form and consistency throughout 2024 have earned him admiration across the cycling world.
“Tadej is one of the most unique riders we’ve ever seen,” said former world champion and cycling analyst Chris Boardman. “His ability to read a race, attack at the right moment, and maintain that effort is extraordinary. He has rewritten the script for what’s possible in modern cycling.”
A Dominant Display in Zurich
The World Championships road race course in Zurich posed a significant challenge, with steep climbs and tricky descents testing the best in the sport. Despite these challenges, Pogacar made his decisive move with 100 kilometers to go, attacking a strong breakaway and quickly taking control of the race. He opened up a one-minute lead over his closest rivals, including defending champion Mathieu van der Poel and Olympic gold medalist Remco Evenepoel.
While the chasing group, including O’Connor and Van der Poel, cut Pogacar’s advantage to 40 seconds near the finish, the Slovenian rider managed to hold on during the race’s final descent, crossing the line with a time of six hours, 41 minutes, and 23 seconds.
Pogacar’s Emotional Reflection
Following the race, Pogacar reflected on the enormity of his achievement. “Winning the world road race championship was always a dream of mine,” Pogacar shared in an emotional post-race interview. “But to do it like this, in such a tough race, and to complete the Triple Crown… I’m speechless. I’m so grateful to my team, my family, and everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
As the Slovenian national anthem played and Pogacar donned the rainbow jersey, the cycling world celebrated the arrival of a new era, with Pogacar firmly positioned as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
