Tadej Pogacar once again proved his dominance in professional cycling, claiming victory at the Tre Valli Varesine just two days after his European Championships triumph. The Slovenian star from UAE Emirates-XRG shared the podium with a 19-year-old rising talent for the second time in three days, prompting Pogacar to declare, “Cycling’s future looks bright.”
The 27-year-old kept a promise made last year when the 2024 edition of the race was canceled due to severe weather. “Last year, the organization had a lot of bad luck, and we had to finish much earlier than planned,” Pogacar reflected before the race. “This race fits perfectly between the European Championships and Il Lombardia, so I wanted to be here.” Despite a packed schedule and admitting to feeling exhausted after Monday’s efforts, Pogacar’s determination and teamwork propelled him to the top step of the podium.
Speaking to CyclingProNet before the race, Pogacar outlined his strategy: “One day and two nights of recovery should be enough. Above all, we want to win as a team—that’s the goal.” His UAE Emirates-XRG squad executed their plan flawlessly. “We had planned to wait until the last lap,” Pogacar explained. “Tudor opened the race from afar, but then Isaac del Toro and I went on one of the climbs. It was a good situation for us, although we knew no one really intended to cooperate with us.”
Pogacar’s decisive move alongside teammate Isaac del Toro on the final climbs showcased their strength and tactical prowess, securing the win in a race known for its challenging terrain. The presence of a 19-year-old on the podium—whose identity has sparked excitement in the cycling community—underscored the sport’s promising future. “It’s incredible to see such young talent already competing at this level,” Pogacar said post-race.
The victory further solidifies Pogacar’s status as one of cycling’s brightest stars, balancing a grueling schedule that includes the European Championships and the upcoming Il Lombardia. He even made time to support his girlfriend, Urska Zigart, who competed in an early morning race, highlighting his commitment both on and off the bike.
As Pogacar prepares for Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the season, his performance at Tre Valli Varesine serves as a reminder of his relentless drive and the bright future awaiting professional cycling.
