Hat-trick: Pogacar wins the Tour of Lombardy again

Click through: Impressions of the Tour of Lombardy 2023

Wheel star Tadej Pogacar completed the hat-trick at the Tour of Lombardy, making an impressive comeback after two and a half months without a win.

Tadej Pogacar on his victory in the Tour of Lombardy 2023

After 238 kilometres from Como to Bergamo, the two-time Tour de France champion took victory for the third time in a row in the big showdown of the stars in the last big classic of the year. He won by 51 seconds ahead of the Italian Andrea Bagioli and his Slovenian compatriot Primoz Roglic. "To win for the third time in my third participation is fantastic and incredible. It's a dream come true to win solo here," said the 25-year-old after his coup.

Tadej Pogacar first despite thigh problems

Pogacar broke away from a small leading group after the last climb near Madonna del Ghisallo around 30 kilometres before the finish and increased his lead on the furious descent. Ten kilometres before the finish, the Slovenian had problems with cramps in his thigh. Nevertheless, the chasers were no longer able to catch up. His great rival Remco Evenepoel from Belgium, on the other hand, had to let go on the last climb and played no role.

"I know the climb very well and didn't give up until the top to get away from the group. I then gave it my all on the descent," added Pogacar.

Tour of Lombardy 2023: Primoz Roglic in third place

Giro d'Italia winner Roglic, who for the German Bora-Hansgrohe team next year initially made it into the leading group with his last ounce of strength. However, he then had nothing more to offer his compatriot. In the final sprint of the chasing group, he remained just ahead of the fourth-placed Russian Alexander Vlasov, with whom he will be riding together at Bora next year.

Pogacar is the first rider since the legend Fausto Coppi to win the Tour of Lombardy three times in a row. The Italian even won the last of the five cycling monuments four times in a row from 1946 to 1949. For Pogacar, it was his first success this season since 22 July, when he won the penultimate Tour de France stage.

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