Tadej Pogačar solidified his status as one of cycling’s greatest talents by winning the 2024 edition of Il Lombardia, claiming his third consecutive victory in the prestigious “Race of the Falling Leaves.” The Slovenian star delivered a masterclass in long-range attacking, proving once again his versatility and tenacity across various terrains.
Il Lombardia, known for its punishing climbs and technical descents, is one of cycling’s five Monuments, and Pogačar’s performance in this year’s edition was nothing short of spectacular. He launched a decisive long-range attack on the Civiglio climb, around 30 kilometers from the finish, catching his rivals off-guard. With sheer power and determination, Pogačar managed to distance himself from the chasing group, holding his lead through the rolling terrain to the finish line in Como.
This victory further cements Pogačar’s dominance in the one-day classics, adding to his impressive palmarès, which already includes victories in the Tour de France, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and previous editions of Il Lombardia. His ability to shine in both Grand Tours and Classics is drawing comparisons to the legendary Eddy Merckx, who similarly dominated in multiple types of races.
Pogačar’s attack was not only a show of strength but also a tactical masterpiece. By going solo from such a long distance, he left no room for his rivals to respond or organize a concerted chase. Riders like Primož Roglič and Enric Mas were left scrambling behind, unable to bridge the gap to the flying Slovenian.
With this victory, Pogačar continues to build his legacy as a rider capable of excelling in any race, any time of the year, solidifying his position as one of the most complete cyclists of his generation.
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