In the heart of autumn, as nature prepares for renewal, Tadej Pogacar once again found himself at the center of the cycling world. The Slovenian athlete confidently crossed the finish line in Bergamo, securing his fifth consecutive victory at the prestigious Il Lombardia race. This achievement brought him his tenth Monument trophy, underscoring his unique standing among the best riders of the era.
The traditional Italian classic, known as the ‘race of the falling leaves,’ began this year with a farewell to prominent figures such as Meika, Meintjes, and Puccio. Yet, the final spotlight was on the man who seems unwilling to relinquish his place at the top. Pogacar ended the season with a spectacular solo attack on the Passo di Ganda climb, demonstrating sheer dominance and the poise of a champion.
Attempts by his rivals to change the outcome proved unsuccessful. Quinn Simmons showed initiative and led the race for almost 200 kilometers, while Remco Evenepoel made a final effort to catch the leader, but couldn’t keep up the pace. On the crucial stretch, Pogacar capitalized on support from his teammate Meika, who was retiring, launching a decisive attack 37 kilometers from the finish. Neither Pello Bilbao, nor Julian Alaphilippe, nor Primoz Roglic, nor the young Seixas could challenge the Slovenian.
Victory in Bergamo made Pogačar the first cyclist in history to win Il Lombardia five consecutive times, surpassing legends like Coppi and Merckx. What impresses is not only the number of titles, but also the style in which they have been claimed: a blend of youthful passion and precision, bold attacks, and mature calculation. His collection already includes three Tour de France wins, one Giro d’Italia, five Lombardía, two Liège–Bastogne–Liège, two Strade Bianche, two Flanders, a world championship, and other prestigious titles.
Pogačar does more than just win races—he is redefining the potential of athletes in modern cycling. His achievements attract attention not only from fans but also the wider public, making his name a symbol of a new era. The season finale in Bergamo was not just another victory, but confirmation of Pogačar’s status as one of the key figures of his time. In a world where sport is constantly changing, he remains a constant, setting the standards for future generations.
