COMO, Italy — Tadej Poga?ar, the reigning world champion, made headlines once again with a remarkable solo performance to secure his fourth consecutive victory at the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday.
Mimicking his recent winning strategy utilized at the World Championships just two weeks prior, the three-time Tour de France winner launched a powerful attack approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the finish line.
No competitors attempted to challenge the Slovenian cyclist, allowing him to triumph decisively in this prestigious one-day classic that marks the end of the cycling season.
The picturesque race, known as the “Classic of the Falling Leaves,” began in Bergamo and concluded 255 kilometers (158 miles) later, featuring significant climbs such as Colma di Sormano and San Fermo della Battaglia before arriving at the beautiful lakeside of Como.
An early group of about ten riders formed a breakaway, but their lead was neutralized with only 48 kilometers remaining — the precise moment when Poga?ar chose to make his move.
His competitors offered no resistance, and he even took a moment to acknowledge cheering fans as he crossed the finish line, achieving victory with an impressive lead of 3 minutes and 16 seconds over Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, who placed second, and 4 minutes and 31 seconds ahead of Italian rider Giulio Ciccone in third.
Filled with joy, Poga?ar raised his bicycle in celebration, visibly shaken with excitement. “This victory means a great deal to me,” expressed Poga?ar, who competes for the UAE Emirates team. “The race is incredibly challenging.”
With this win, Poga?ar joins the ranks of Italian cyclist Alfredo Binda, who also secured four Giro di Lombardia titles between 1925-1927 and in 1931. The only cyclist with more victories in this event is the legendary Fausto Coppi, boasting five wins from 1946 to 1949 and again in 1954.
Throughout this year, Poga?ar has demonstrated a level of dominance that is rarely seen in the sport, managing to achieve the impressive feat of winning not only the World Championships but also the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia.
Additionally, he claimed victories at the esteemed Liège–Bastogne–Liège classic and the Strade Bianche, both characterized by similar solo efforts.
