Tadej Pogačar Confirms Favourite Status for Zürich World Championships with a Masterclass in Montréal
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy who has taken the cycling world by storm, has once again reaffirmed his position as a favourite for the upcoming World Championships in Zürich with a stunning display of form in Montréal. The 25-year-old UAE Team Emirates rider, already a two-time Tour de France winner, delivered a masterclass in tactical brilliance and raw power at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, proving he is not only peaking at the right time but also a formidable force across diverse racing terrains.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, part of the UCI World Tour, is one of the most challenging one-day races in North America. Known for its rolling terrain and relentless up-and-down course through the streets of Canada’s second-largest city, the race provided the perfect battleground for Pogačar to showcase his racing acumen ahead of the World Championships.
Pogačar entered the race with confidence, fresh off a summer that included a second-place finish at the Tour de France and strong performances at the World Championships in Glasgow. Montréal, however, was his opportunity to truly demonstrate that he is not only in top form but that he remains the rider to beat heading into Zürich.
The race unfolded in typical fashion, with numerous attacks from both big names and dark horses, but Pogačar remained patient. As the peloton began to shrink on the punishing circuit, with its challenging Mont Royal climb, it was clear that only the strongest would remain in contention. With about 10 kilometers to go, the Slovenian star made his move, bridging to the front group with a measured attack. Once there, he quickly took control, effortlessly marking his rivals and showing no signs of fatigue from the grueling day.
As the finish line neared, Pogačar timed his final sprint to perfection. Surging ahead of the likes of Adam Yates and Michael Matthews, he crossed the line victorious, arms raised, and with an air of invincibility that sent a clear message to his competitors: he is ready for Zürich.
Montréal was not just a test of endurance and climbing legs but also of tactical nous—an area where Pogačar excels. His ability to read races, bide his time, and strike at precisely the right moment has become a hallmark of his career. In Montréal, he showcased this perfectly, never overextending himself but ensuring he was always in the right position to react when the moment came.
This strategic mastery will be crucial as Pogačar heads to the World Championships in Zürich. The Zürich course, set to be a punishing route through the Swiss Alps, is tailor-made for a rider of his abilities. Combining challenging climbs with technical descents and a fast, flat finish, it mirrors the kind of terrain where Pogačar has consistently excelled, be it in Grand Tours or one-day classics.
His ability to endure the toughest climbs while retaining the explosiveness for a sprint finish makes him a rare all-rounder in modern cycling. This versatility, coupled with his supreme form in Montréal, has elevated him to the top of the list of favourites for Zürich, alongside riders like Remco Evenepoel, Wout Van Aert, and Mathieu van der Poel.
Pogačar’s performance in Montréal was not a fluke but the result of meticulous planning and preparation. His season, which began with wins in the early Spring Classics and saw him briefly sidelined by injury, has been carefully structured to ensure he peaks for the World Championships.
Following his runner-up finish at the Tour de France, Pogačar took a short break to recover, before returning to competition with renewed vigor. His dominant display at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is the culmination of a perfectly timed training program aimed at ensuring he arrives in Zürich in peak condition.
Moreover, the race in Montréal allowed Pogačar to test himself against many of the rivals he will face in Switzerland. His ability to control the race, dictate the pace, and ultimately claim victory sends a clear warning to his competitors: Pogačar is at his best when it matters most.
For Pogačar, the upcoming World Championships represent a unique opportunity. Despite his young age, he has already amassed an impressive palmarès that includes two Tour de France titles, a victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and numerous other prestigious wins. However, the rainbow jersey—one of the most coveted prizes in cycling—has so far eluded him.
Winning the World Championships would be the crowning achievement in what has already been a glittering career, and would cement Pogačar’s status as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation. The pressure is undoubtedly on, but if his performance in Montréal is anything to go by, Pogačar thrives under pressure.
As the Zürich World Championships approach, all eyes will be on Pogačar. His form, tactical intelligence, and physical capabilities make him the man to beat, and Montréal has only solidified his status as the clear favourite. The Slovenian superstar will head into the race with the confidence of a man who knows he can win, but also with the humility that has endeared him to fans around the world.
While the competition will be fierce, and riders like Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, and Julian Alaphilippe will be determined to make their own bids for glory, Pogačar has shown time and again that he has the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal was a masterclass in control, strength, and timing. Now, Pogačar’s focus shifts to the World Championships in Zürich, where he will look to don the rainbow jersey for the first time in his already illustrious career. Based on his performance in Canada, few would bet against him achieving that goal.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the remarkable story of Tadej Pogačar, cycling’s most exciting and dominant young talent.
