Tadej Pogačar Wins 2024 UCI World Championships with Monumental Performance

The 2024 UCI World Championships in Zürich, Switzerland, saw Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar emerge victorious after a stunning display of endurance and strategy. On September 29, Pogačar clinched the men’s title, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats by completing the prestigious ‘triple crown’—winning the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and the world title in a single year.

Pogačar, aged 26, crossed the finish line with a solo time of six hours, 27 minutes, and 30 seconds, having launched a decisive attack with 100 kilometers remaining in the 273.9 km race. This victory adds to his bronze medal from last year’s championships and makes him just the third rider to achieve the triple crown, a feat only previously accomplished by legends Eddy Merckx in 1974 and Stephen Roche in 1987.

Ben O’Connor of Australia claimed the silver medal, arriving 34 seconds after Pogačar. Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands secured the bronze, rounding off the podium positions after a vigorous chase for the minor medals.

The race was characterized by a series of strategic attacks and counter-attacks, particularly during the final four laps of the 26.8 km circuit. Much of the pre-race anticipation was centered around Pogačar and Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, with the latter aiming to create history by achieving a road racing double-double. Evenepoel, having recently won a road cycling double gold at the Paris 2024 Games, was a significant contender.

However, it was Pogačar who took control of the race during a long-range attack, partnered briefly by Andrea Bagioli of Italy. As the race progressed, Pogačar widened the gap between himself and the chase group, which initially included 16 riders. Seeking support, compatriot Jan Tratnik dropped back from an initial breakaway group to assist Pogačar.

“I cannot believe what just happened. I put a lot of pressure on myself for today and we came here for the victory,” said Pogačar in an emotional statement after his win. “The race unfolded pretty quickly. There was a dangerous breakaway in front, and I maybe did a stupid attack, but I never gave up until the end. It is an incredible day.”

The final stages of the race saw Pogačar battling the elements and fatigue, yet maintaining a comfortable lead. As he approached the final descent and the last climb, his lead was reduced to less than a minute, prompting strategic maneuvers from the chasers like Ben Healy, Toms Skujins, and Remco Evenepoel.

In the closing kilometers, Pogačar’s superior descending skills and strategic racecraft ensured his lead was unassailable, allowing him to enter the final stretch solo to a sweeping victory.