Tadej Pogačar raced in direction of the low season with velocity and energy at Il Lombardia, eager to win once more, safe a fourth consecutive victory and eager to have fun the tip of one other unbelievable season.
He savoured the rostrum ceremony, waved to the followers and spoke to the media however completed his post-race duties as rapidly as he completed off his opposition. He appeared happiest when he rode by way of the streets of Como to his UAE Crew Emirates workforce bus, his 2024 season lastly achieved.
Pogačar joined Fausto Coppi as a four-time winner and once more drew Merckxian comparisons and reward for his domination. However he has little curiosity in all of that. He simply wished to win and convey the curtain down on the yr, as he began in early March, with a solo victory at Strade Bianche.
‘I completed the season as I began it and with the identical celebration. I hope it was a pleasant photograph,” Pogačar joked, recalling his comparable celebrations after an 80km assault in Tuscany.
“Each victory has its personal story, its personal feelings, however I feel this yr, on prime of all of them is the World Championships. It is arduous to beat that one.”
At Il Lombardia, he surged away on the Colma di Sormano with 48km to race. He seemed again as soon as after which was by no means seen once more. In Como, he completed 3:16 forward of Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step) and 4:31 forward of Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek).
Pogačar refuted he’s by some means killing biking together with his dominance, citing the cheers of the Lombardy crowds as his main witness.
“I do not see anyone saying that right this moment alongside the street, I simply noticed so many joyful followers,” he mentioned.
“It was stunning to race 255 kilometres, with all of the folks on the aspect of the street cheering for me and for everyone. That is the good factor. You possibly can at all times discover some folks on the web with negativity however I do not see that occur on the market on the street, that is what issues.
“I simply stay within the second. Now I wish to go on trip and simply relaxation after this good season and go into the subsequent season, with new objectives, and new challenges.
“There are different issues in life to stay up for, not simply profitable and racing. There’s additionally life off the bike. I am trying ahead to that now.”
