Tadej Pogacar, the dominant force in cycling, made history by winning his fifth consecutive Il Lombardia race, matching the legendary Fausto Coppi’s record. The Slovenian rider showcased his superiority once again by launching a fierce attack on a climb, leaving his competitors trailing behind. With a remarkable display of strength and strategy, Pogacar broke away from the pack with 38km to go, catching the last rider from the breakaway, Quinn Simmons, and ultimately crossing the finish line solo to claim victory in the prestigious Monument race.
Pogacar’s remarkable achievement solidified his status as a cycling legend, becoming the first rider ever to win the same Monument five times in a row. Additionally, he made history by finishing on the podium in all five Monuments in a single season. The 27-year-old rider’s extraordinary season also included victories in the Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the Tour de France, and the UCI Road World Championship. Despite his incredible success, Pogacar expressed his weariness over constant comparisons to Belgian icon Eddy Merckx, emphasizing the need to appreciate individual achievements without constant references to past legends.
The Il Lombardia general classification saw Pogacar leading the pack with a finishing time of 5 hours, 45 minutes, and 53 seconds, followed by Remco Evenepoel of Belgium in second place and Michael Storer of Australia in third. The grueling one-day Monument race tested the riders’ endurance and skill, with Pogacar emerging as the undisputed champion once again. As he basked in the glory of his historic win, Pogacar credited his team’s support and his own determination for his exceptional performance. With a season for the ages, Pogacar’s legacy in cycling continues to grow, cementing his status as one of the sport’s greatest talents.
