Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar delivered a commanding performance to secure his fourth consecutive Il Lombardia title, extending his remarkable dominance in the 2024 season. With a powerful solo attack over 48 kilometers from the finish, Pogacar crossed the line 3 minutes and 16 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Remco Evenepoel, claiming his 25th victory of the year.
Giulio Ciccone completed the podium with a late surge inside the final 5 kilometers, distancing himself from the chasing group. However, the day belonged to Pogacar, who made his decisive move on the final significant climb, leaving the peloton in his wake. Evenepoel and the other contenders were unable to close the gap, with Pogacar maintaining a relentless pace to the finish line in Como. His victory marked the largest winning margin at Il Lombardia since cycling legend Eddy Merckx in 1971.
“Every victory is special, and today is no different,” Pogacar reflected at the finish. “The team worked so hard all year, and today was another big day for us. It was a long and tough race, but we executed our plan perfectly. I’m incredibly happy to win this with the team.”
Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates played a crucial role, positioning their leader perfectly ahead of the Colma Di Sormano climb, where he launched his race-winning attack after reeling in a breakaway group. “We had a plan for today, and the race was so hard that in the last 40 kilometers, it was mostly man to man,” Pogacar explained. “I knew if I could open a gap at the top, I had a chance to hold it to the finish. There were moments where it was tough, but I pushed hard to build the lead and win the mental battle.”
As he neared the finish line, Pogacar glanced over his shoulder, though his commanding lead was never in doubt. “I was just enjoying the atmosphere and looking forward to the off-season,” he added with a smile.
Meanwhile, British rider Tom Pidcock was notably absent from the Ineos Grenadiers squad for the race, a surprising omission that fueled speculation about his future with the team. Pidcock addressed the situation on social media, expressing his disappointment at being “deselected” for the season’s final monument.
“Just as things were on the up after a difficult end to the year, I am deselected for Lombardia tomorrow,” Pidcock wrote on Instagram. “I was in great shape and really looking forward to it! Good luck to the boys—off-season starts early for me, I guess. Thanks to everyone for the support during the tough times.”
As Pogacar celebrates yet another victory in a landmark season, the cycling world now awaits further developments in Pidcock’s career.