On Sunday, Tadej Pogačar delivered a phenomenal performance in Zurich, winning the 2024 UCI World Championships road race with a solo breakaway that lasted 100 kilometers. This victory capped off an extraordinary year for the Slovenian cyclist, who also won the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia earlier this season. Pogačar’s triumph marked a rare achievement in cycling: the unofficial “Triple Crown,” making him only the fourth male rider in history to accomplish this feat, alongside legends like Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche.
Pogačar’s attack came unexpectedly early, with 100 km remaining in the grueling 273 km course. His bold decision to ride solo from that point on proved decisive, as he maintained a lead of about 40 seconds to one minute, eventually crossing the finish line 34 seconds ahead of Australia’s Ben O’Connor, who claimed the silver medal. Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel sprinted to secure the bronze, just edging out a group that included Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel.
Pogačar’s victory adds another monumental accolade to his career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation. Reflecting on his win, Pogačar expressed disbelief at what he had accomplished. “I cannot believe what just happened,” he said, noting the immense pressure he placed on himself after such a stellar season. His bold move to attack from so far out was a gamble, but it paid off, culminating in an unforgettable solo victory that secured him the coveted rainbow jersey.
This historic win places Pogačar in the elite company of riders who have won both the Giro and the Tour in a single season, and now with the World Championship title, he joins an exclusive group who have achieved the rare cycling Triple Crown.