Tadej Pogačar is on the verge of capping one of the most remarkable seasons in professional cycling history with a historic win at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships in Zurich. The Slovenian cyclist, already a dominant force in the sport, is now just 50 kilometers away from claiming the prestigious Rainbow Jersey, an achievement that would further cement his place as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation.
Pogačar’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has built upon his already illustrious career, which includes two Tour de France victories (2020 and 2021), by dominating in nearly every race he has entered. This year, he has displayed an exceptional combination of climbing prowess, sprinting speed, and tactical intelligence, all of which have contributed to his string of impressive victories across multiple race formats, from one-day classics to multi-stage events.
Winning the Rainbow Jersey, awarded to the world champion in road cycling, is one of the most coveted achievements in the sport. It is worn throughout the following season in all UCI-sanctioned races, symbolizing the rider’s status as the best in the world. For Pogačar, this would be the perfect capstone to a season that has already seen him dominate in races like the Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Critérium du Dauphiné. It would also be a significant milestone in a career that is still in its prime.
The 2024 World Championships, being held in Zurich, present a particularly challenging course. The race is known for its relentless climbs and technical descents, testing even the most seasoned riders. Pogačar, however, has proven time and again that he thrives in such conditions. His ability to combine explosive climbing attacks with a keen sense of race dynamics makes him a favorite for this year’s title. Throughout the season, he has shown remarkable versatility, whether winning solo or in small groups, as well as an uncanny ability to time his efforts perfectly in key moments.
What makes Pogačar’s potential World Championship win even more impressive is the level of competition he faces. The field is stacked with top-tier talent, including riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, and Wout van Aert, all of whom have the capability to win on a course like Zurich’s. But Pogačar’s form, combined with his tactical acumen, sets him apart. He has repeatedly outmaneuvered his rivals, blending his physical strength with an instinctive understanding of how to control races.
If he can hold on for the final 50 kilometers and claim the Rainbow Jersey, Pogačar will join a rare group of cyclists who have won both the Tour de France and the World Championship, an elite club that includes legends like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. The victory would also add to Slovenia’s growing reputation as a cycling powerhouse, following years of dominance by Pogačar and his compatriot Primož Roglič.
As Pogačar approaches the final kilometers, the world watches in anticipation. With the finish line in sight, the 2024 season could be remembered not just for his incredible victories but for his crowning achievement—a World Championship title that would etch his name even deeper into the annals of cycling history. Whether he can make it to the finish line first or not, Tadej Pogačar’s season has already been one of the greatest ever, and winning the Rainbow Jersey would be the ultimate triumph.