Tadej Pogačar crossing the line first at yesterday’s exhibition criterium in Monaco. 🌈
Pogacar keeps winning, even in November: "I'm very grateful to Trentin and his team"
CyclingMonday, 25 November 2024 at 13:16
Tadej Pogacar wrapped up an incredible year with 25 official victories—and one more unofficial win last Sunday. The UAE Team Emirates star claimed the top spot at the Beking Criterium in Monaco, where he lives. This charity event, launched by Matteo Trentin in 2021, saw Pogacar take yet another victory on a cold, rainy day. The win comes in a year where Pogacar also extended his contract with UAE Team Emirates through 2030.
The fourth edition of the Monaco criterium once again attracted a strong lineup. Joining Pogacar on the podium were Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla). Other notable participants included Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates), Elia Viviani (INEOS Grenadiers), Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious), and organizer Matteo Trentin himself.
“Beking is a fantastic event, and I’m always happy to take part,” Pogacar told Monaco Reporter after securing another solo victory. “I’m very happy to have won here because we don’t race in Monaco very often. I’m grateful to Matteo and his entire team for organizing this event for a good cause. It’s crucial for the sport, for sustainability, and for the core values that Beking represents,” said the enthusiastic world champion.
Read more below the photo!
Pogacar became world champion in September in Zurich
Bad Weather causes many challenges for the organizers
Despite the poor weather in Monaco, organizer Matteo Trentin considered this year’s criterium another great success. “This year, we were tested by the weather, but my colleagues and the sponsors didn’t leave us out in the cold. We couldn’t be prouder of their support,” Trentin said.
The weather caused some uncertainty about whether the event could proceed, but a shortened course allowed the race to continue. “We all gathered in the morning and decided to go ahead. It was fantastic... Truly an unforgettable atmosphere. We pulled it off once again,” the proud Italian declared.
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024