TADEJ POGACAR IS THE 5TH RIDER TO WIN FIRST RACE AS WORLD CHAMPION – WE LOOK AT THE OTHER FOUR WHO HAVE …Read more

Tadej Pogačar made history by becoming the fifth rider to win his first race after donning the rainbow jersey as the World Champion. Following his victory at the Tre Valli Varesine in 2024, the cycling world reflected on the prestigious list of riders who, like Pogačar, started their tenure as World Champion in winning fashion. Here’s a look at the other four:

Greg LeMond (1983)
Greg LeMond, one of the most influential figures in American cycling, became the World Champion in 1983 and followed it up with a victory in his very next race. LeMond’s aggressive style and tactical intelligence made him a force to reckon with during his era, and his early win in the rainbow jersey set the stage for an illustrious career that included three Tour de France titles.

Paolo Bettini (2006)
The Italian “Grillo,” Paolo Bettini, had an extraordinary start after winning the World Championship in 2006. Bettini, renowned for his tactical nous and punchy finishes, followed his rainbow triumph with victory in the Giro di Lombardia, one of the most prestigious one-day races on the calendar. Bettini’s tenacity and attacking prowess in hilly classics made him a legend in the sport.

Rui Costa (2013)
Portuguese rider Rui Costa surprised many when he captured the World Championship in 2013, but he immediately showed it was no fluke by winning his next race, the Giro dell’Emilia. Costa’s consistency and ability to excel in both one-day races and stage races earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile riders of his generation.

Peter Sagan (2015)
The charismatic Slovakian Peter Sagan is one of the sport’s modern greats. After winning the World Championship in 2015, Sagan kicked off his reign in style with a victory at the Abu Dhabi Tour. Known for his incredible bike handling skills and explosive sprints, Sagan would go on to win three consecutive World Championships, cementing his status as a cycling icon.

Tadej Pogačar now joins this elite group, showcasing his exceptional talent and ability to win on the big stage, even with the weight of the rainbow jersey on his shoulders.