Tadej Pogacar's Dominance Continues with Fifth Straight Il Lombardia Victory
Tadej Pogacar has etched his name in cycling history by securing the Il Lombardia for the fifth consecutive time, matching Fausto Coppi's record of victories in a single season. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the most dominant cyclists of his generation.
The Slovenian cyclist demonstrated his prowess by crossing the finish line first in Bergamo. His signature move, an attack on the Passo di Ganda climb, showcased his exceptional endurance and strategic brilliance. Pogacar's triumph marks a remarkable feat, becoming the first cyclist since Eddy Merckx in 1975 to win three Monuments, the Tour de France, and a world title in a single season.
From the moment Pogacar's UAE teammates set the stage for his attack with around 38km remaining in the 241km race, the outcome was clear. Only Quinn Simmons broke away, leading by 1 minute and 10 seconds. Despite Simmons' valiant effort, Pogacar's relentless pursuit and strategic maneuvers secured his victory, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of Remco Evenepoel.
"Winning five times in a row feels incredible," Pogacar expressed. "I feel this race is tailored for me, and with my exceptional team, we can make it happen. I've always believed this is my best season, and I stand by that belief."
At 27 years old, Pogacar has already won 10 Monuments, the toughest and longest one-day races of the year. This places him just nine victories shy of Merckx's career record, who achieved three wins in 1969, 1971, 1972, and 1975. Pogacar's fifth straight victory in the Il Lombardia adds another chapter to his legacy, following in the footsteps of Italian cycling legend Coppi, who achieved four consecutive wins between 1946 and 1949.
This year, Pogacar made history by becoming the first cyclist to win the Tour de France and the world championship in consecutive seasons. He further solidified his dominance by finishing on the podium of all five Monuments in a single season. His victories in the Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and third place in Milan-San Remo, alongside second place in Paris-Roubaix, showcase his versatility and exceptional skills.
Supported by a stellar team, including Isaac del Toro and Adam Yates, Pogacar demonstrated his endurance and tactical prowess. Despite the early breakaway by Simmons, Pogacar maintained a steady pace in the peloton. Simmons' attack on the Passo della Crocetta climb saw him gain a 50-second lead, but Pogacar's relentless pursuit and strategic maneuvers eventually caught up with him, securing his fifth straight victory in the Il Lombardia.
