Pogacar Dominates UAE Tour, sets Sights on Classics
Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, etched his name in UAE Tour history once more, claiming victory for the third consecutive year. His commanding performance showcased a mastery of both mountainous terrain and flat stages, a testament to his all-around prowess.
Conquering the UAE
Pogacar, already a two-time champion of the UAE Tour, returned to the race as a conqueror. He triumphantly reclaimed the title, a feat he had previously accomplished in 2021 and 2022. His victory was particularly impressive, given his recent success in the two mountain stages, including a dominant Sunday ascent of Jebel hafeet.
A Remarkable Milestone
This victory marks Pogacar’s 90th career win, an astonishing achievement at just 26 years old. He expressed his delight,declaring,”I’m going to classic mode now.” This statement hints at a shift in focus, potentially signaling a withdrawal from the Dauphiné stage race (June 8-15).
His comments also left the door slightly ajar for a possible appearance at Paris-Roubaix (April 13), though he did not explicitly confirm his participation.
Future Focus: Milan-San Remo and Beyond
Pogacar’s immediate goals are clear: a first victory at milan-San Remo (March 22),one of the two monuments he has yet to conquer,and a potential victory at the Strade Bianche (March 8). These races represent a significant step in his quest to dominate the world of cycling classics.
His Sunday victory in the UAE Tour, marked by a powerful attack 8 kilometers from the finish line, showcased his tactical brilliance and relentless pursuit of victory. the 11-kilometer ascent of Jebel Hafeet proved no match for his determined spirit.
The Slovenian’s dominance in the UAE Tour, coupled with his aspiring plans for the upcoming classics, promises an exciting season ahead for cycling fans worldwide.
Tour de France thrills: A Climber’s Race
A Swift Ascent
A dramatic stage unfolded, marked by relentless pursuit and calculated aggression.The 6.7% elevation gradient fueled a fierce sprint, with the triple Tour de France winner seizing the lead. “It was very quickly today because many climbers wanted to race,” he declared, embracing the challenge of the wind-swept course.
Strategic Attack
Anticipating the competition, the champion launched his attack at the 7.8km mark. “I attacked early enough when I found that there were still many climbers by my side and that my teammates had spread,” he explained. “I didn’t want to be surprised from the back.I preferred to anticipate.” His calculated move put him 30 seconds ahead of his rivals at the Jabel Hafeet summit.
A Second Place Showdown
The battle for second place captivated spectators. Behind the leading climber, Italian Giulio Ciccone secured the runner-up spot, while Spaniard Pelle Bilbao completed the podium. “That against Tadej, we played for second place,” Bilbao remarked, highlighting the intense competition.
”
data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js”
>