Tadej Pogačar raced in direction of the low season with pace and energy at Il Lombardia, eager to win once more, safe a fourth consecutive victory and eager to have a good time the top of one other unimaginable 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 via the streets of Como to his UAE Team Emirates staff bus, his 2024 season lastly completed.
Pogačar joined Fausto Coppi as a four-time winner and once more drew Merckxian comparisons and reward for his domination. But he has little curiosity in all of that. He simply needed to win and produce 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 related celebrations after an 80km assault in Tuscany.
“Every victory has its personal story, its personal feelings, however I feel this yr, on high of all of them is the World Championships. It’s exhausting to beat that one.”
At Il Lombardia, he surged away on the Colma di Sormano with 48km to race. He regarded again as soon as after which was by no means seen once more. In Como, he completed 3:16 forward of Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) and 4:31 forward of Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek).
Pogačar refuted he’s someway killing biking together with his dominance, citing the cheers of the Lombardy crowds as his main witness.
“I do not see anyone saying that as we speak alongside the street, I simply noticed so many joyful followers,” he mentioned.
“It was lovely to race 255 kilometres, with all of the individuals on the aspect of the street cheering for me and for everyone. That’s the good factor. You can at all times discover some individuals on the web with negativity however I do not see that occur on the market on the street, that is what issues.
“I simply dwell within the second. Now I wish to go on trip and simply relaxation after this good season and go into the following season, with new objectives, and new challenges.
“There are different issues in life to look ahead to, not simply profitable and racing. There’s additionally life off the bike. I’m trying ahead to that now.”