Honored Pogacar pays tribute to "committed champions", fans over haters, and long-awaited offseason

There was little doubt about it beforehand, but it was still incredible to witness. Tadej Pogacar was by far the strongest in the Tour of Lombardy, ending an outstanding season in the best way possible: crossing the finish line first in Como, wearing the rainbow jersey.

It was the 25th win of the season for the world champion, who appeared composed in the flash interview. At 48 kilometers from the finish, on the Sormano climb, the Slovenian superstar, part of UAE Team Emirates, pulled away from his competitors. Was it planned that way? "Yes, we planned it like that, because the race is so tough. The last forty kilometers are basically one-on-one. I knew that if I had a decent gap at the top, I could hold on to the finish. But you never know."

He pulled away from Remco Evenepoel, who ended up best of the rest in the background. Pogacar extended his lead after the Sormano. "There was a moment after the descent where I tried to push harder. I wanted to gain a bit more time and win the mental game too. I went as hard as I could, and it was all about reaching the finish, one by one."

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Pogacar happy and honored to be surrounded by "champions" at UAE Team Emirates

According to Pogacar, the difficulty of 'Il Lombardia' was due solely to his UAE Team Emirates teammates. They let a large and strong breakaway take off, but rode incredibly hard all day. "The team has worked so hard for all the victories we've achieved, and today was no different. It was an important day for us, a long and tough race. Everything depended on the team, and I think we did very well. I'm very happy to win for them."

In the post-race press conference, which IDLProCycling.com also attended, Pogi continued his praise. "All my teammates are important to me, whether they’re ahead or staying by my side. It's been no exception this year — the team consistently delivers perfect work. Many riders in this team could get results for themselves. Pavel (Sivakov, ed.) finished sixth but could possibly have made the podium. Yet they all commit to one goal, and I'm lucky to have that. I’m honored to have all these champions around me. Ultimately, we work together for that victory."

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Pogacar wanted to break Evenepoel in last lap of honor

The mission to break Evenepoel ultimately succeeded. The Belgian finished more than three minutes behind, in second place. "I expected Remco to be really strong. But as a team, we made the race extremely tough. I knew he could give it his all one more time for Lombardy, with the offseason following — it's been a long year for him too. Maybe he didn’t want to push himself too hard in the smaller races, but he went all in for this beautiful race. He was able to push a little more."

Pushing a little more, that is, to secure one of the lower steps on the podium, because Pogacar did one more victory lap with a powerful solo ride. "I enjoyed the last climbs and the fans. I’m glad to finish the season like this because it’s time for the offseason. It was great to ride the finale solo and to win," said the multiple-time winner, who lifted his Colnago above his head at the finish, dressed in white. "I celebrated my first win of the season (at Strade Bianche, ed.) like this too, so I chose the same celebration here. It’s nice to lift your bike up — I hope for a good photo!"

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What's next for Tadej Pogacar?

25 victories, how can he possibly top that in 2025? "All my wins were special; each has its own story. The World Championships was the most special this year. That’s hard to beat. I feel a special connection to all my victories. I didn’t really face tough moments on the bike, thanks to the team. We put together a good program, a good mix of rest and racing. I was never too tired. It was smart to skip the Olympics after the Tour, so I could really recover from that double effort."

"I don't need much time to realize what I’ve accomplished this year," he added with humility. "I just want to go on vacation and live in the moment. I need some rest, and then I'll start the new season with new goals and challenges, fully motivated." That sounds promising for his competitors, who could barely challenge Pogacar in 2024. "I don’t know why I’m better than the others. I don’t know what’s going on in my opponents' minds or their strengths. Maybe it’s a combination of things, but motivation at the end of a season like this is crucial."

"Now, I’m looking forward to life beyond cycling, because that’s important too. It’s not all about racing and winning, fortunately," he laughed, thanking the press in attendance. Outside, applause from fans awaited, just as it had all day. Boring cycling? Pogacar ruining the sport? Nope, Italy embraces the champion. "I didn’t see or hear any hate on the road today. I saw so many fans, and it was incredible to ride 255 kilometers like that. Everyone cheered for me — that’s what’s great about cycling. There are always negative voices on the internet, but I don’t see those people during the race. For me, that’s what matters most."