Just Now:Tadej Pogačar Lands World Road Race Championship to Complete Cycling’s Triple Crown.
**Tadej Pogačar Lands World Road Race Championship to Complete Cycling’s Triple Crown**
Tadej Pogačar, the 25-year-old Slovenian cycling sensation, has once again cemented his place in the history books by claiming the **2024 UCI Road World Championship**, completing cycling’s elusive **Triple Crown**. This monumental achievement comes after his triumphs in the Tour de France and a victory at one of cycling’s Grand Tours, marking him as one of the greatest talents in modern cycling.
### A Historic Victory
Pogačar, already a two-time Tour de France winner, delivered a masterclass in tactical and physical prowess on the grueling 271-kilometer course to win his first **World Road Race Championship**. The race, held in Italy, featured challenging climbs, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition from the world’s top cyclists, but Pogačar once again rose to the occasion.
With this victory, Pogačar becomes only the eighth rider in history to achieve cycling’s Triple Crown—a rare feat that consists of winning a Grand Tour (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, or Vuelta a España), a Monument Classic (such as the Tour of Flanders or Liège-Bastogne-Liège), and the World Road Race Championship in a single season or career.
### The Final Push to Glory
The final kilometers of the World Road Race saw a dramatic showdown between Pogačar and some of the sport’s top riders, including reigning world champion Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel. With less than 10 kilometers remaining, Pogačar made a decisive attack on the steep slopes, leaving his rivals scrambling to keep up.
Using his superior climbing ability and sharp instincts, Pogačar pulled away from the pack, maintaining a slender lead that he held until crossing the finish line. His signature blend of raw power and finesse on the bike left fans in awe, as he claimed the iconic rainbow jersey for the first time in his career.
### Pogačar’s Rise to Cycling Stardom
Since bursting onto the scene as a prodigy in 2019, Tadej Pogačar has been unstoppable. His back-to-back Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021 established him as the sport’s next big superstar, but he has continued to evolve, winning prestigious races like the **Liège-Bastogne-Liège**, **Il Lombardia**, and several key stages in various tours.
Often hailed for his all-around versatility, Pogačar has been dominant in both mountainous stages and individual time trials, as well as in the classics. His ability to excel in all terrains and formats has drawn comparisons to cycling legends like Eddy Merckx, who also completed the Triple Crown during his illustrious career.
### A Rare Feat in Modern Cycling
The Triple Crown is one of the rarest and most coveted accomplishments in cycling, with only a select few riders achieving it. Before Pogačar, the last rider to complete the feat was **Stephen Roche** in 1987. The immense physical and mental toll required to win across the different formats of the sport makes the Triple Crown a nearly mythical accomplishment.
Speaking after his victory, Pogačar expressed his disbelief and gratitude. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “To wear the rainbow jersey and complete the Triple Crown, it’s something I never imagined would happen. This season has been the toughest of my career, but also the most rewarding. I want to thank my team, my family, and everyone who has supported me.”
### Looking Ahead
With this monumental victory, Tadej Pogačar has firmly established himself as one of the all-time greats of cycling. At just 25, the Slovenian rider still has many years ahead in his career, and fans are already speculating about what else he might achieve.
Despite the grueling nature of the season, Pogačar hinted that his hunger for success remains undiminished. “There’s always another race, another challenge. I’m looking forward to what comes next,” he said with a smile, leaving no doubt that he’s far from finished.
As the world of cycling celebrates Pogačar’s incredible achievements, the question remains: what can stop this extraordinary rider? For now, it seems nothing can stand in his way as he continues to build on his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.