Tadej Pogačar: “I’m Ready to Go Full Gas One Last Time” as He Targets a Historic Fourth Il Lombardia Victory
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation and two-time Tour de France champion, is gearing up for what may be one of the most significant races of his career. With three Il Lombardia titles already under his belt, Pogačar is aiming for an unprecedented fourth victory in the prestigious one-day race, often referred to as “The Race of the Falling Leaves.” As the season winds down and the cycling world turns its attention to the final monument of the year, Pogačar’s determination is palpable. “I’m ready to give it my all one last time, to go full gas,” he declared, signaling his intent to make history once again.
Il Lombardia, known for its challenging climbs, long distances, and unpredictable weather, is a race that demands both physical endurance and tactical brilliance. Pogačar’s dominance in this race over the past few years has established him as a modern-day legend in the sport. As he prepares for his fourth attempt at victory, the cycling world is buzzing with anticipation. Will Pogačar be able to cement his place in cycling history by winning Il Lombardia for a fourth time?
The Significance of Il Lombardia
Il Lombardia is one of the five Monuments of cycling, alongside races like Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It is held in the picturesque region of northern Italy, with a route that typically features iconic climbs such as the Madonna del Ghisallo, Colma di Sormano, and the brutal Civiglio ascent. The race is known for its scenic backdrop, with autumn leaves carpeting the roads and the cool October air adding an extra element of difficulty.
First held in 1905, Il Lombardia has been won by some of the greatest names in cycling history, including Fausto Coppi, Eddy Merckx, and Bernard Hinault. A victory in this race is seen as a crowning achievement in a cyclist’s career, and winning it multiple times places a rider in elite company.
For Pogačar, Il Lombardia is more than just another race—it’s a personal challenge and a chance to make his mark as one of the sport’s all-time greats. “Il Lombardia is special to me,” Pogačar said in a recent interview. “The course suits my style, and I love the history and beauty of the race. Winning it again would be an incredible way to end the season.”
Pogačar’s Il Lombardia Triumphs
Pogačar’s relationship with Il Lombardia began in 2021 when he won his first title at just 23 years old. That year, he launched a daring solo attack on the Civiglio climb, distancing his rivals and securing his victory with a powerful descent to the finish in Como. His performance left the cycling world in awe, showcasing his ability to excel in one-day races as well as grand tours.
In 2022, Pogačar repeated his success in dramatic fashion. This time, he faced a strong challenge from the likes of Enric Mas and Primož Roglič, but once again, his superior climbing ability and tactical acumen proved too much for his rivals. Pogačar timed his attack to perfection on the Civiglio climb and held off a chasing group to claim his second consecutive Il Lombardia title.
The following year, 2023, Pogačar cemented his dominance by claiming a third consecutive victory. His relentless aggression on the climbs and fearless descending left his competitors struggling to keep pace. His victory that year placed him among the few riders in history to win Il Lombardia three times, and whispers of a potential fourth victory began to circulate.
The Challenge of a Fourth Victory
Winning Il Lombardia three times is an incredible achievement, but securing a fourth victory would place Pogačar in the pantheon of cycling legends. Only a handful of riders have ever won the same Monument four or more times, and Pogačar’s ability to compete across different terrains makes him a serious contender for this historic feat.
However, the path to a fourth victory will not be easy. Il Lombardia is notorious for its unpredictability. The race often sees riders fall victim to mechanical issues, crashes, or fatigue on the punishing climbs. Additionally, Pogačar will face fierce competition from a stacked field of world-class riders, including his arch-rival Jonas Vingegaard, Primož Roglič, and Remco Evenepoel, all of whom have their eyes on the prestigious Monument title.
Vingegaard, who defeated Pogačar in the 2023 Tour de France, has been in excellent form and will be eager to challenge his rival on Italian soil. Roglič, another formidable Slovenian, has previously shown his strength in Il Lombardia and will likely be a key player in the battle for victory. Evenepoel, the 2022 Vuelta a España winner, is also a threat, with his powerful time trialing ability and aggressive racing style.
Despite the competition, Pogačar remains unfazed. “It’s going to be a tough race, no question,” he admitted. “There are so many strong riders in the peloton, but I’m ready to give everything I have. I’ve been training hard, and I know what it takes to win here. It’s going to be a battle, but I thrive in these conditions.”
Pogačar’s Preparation and Tactics
To prepare for Il Lombardia, Pogačar has focused on honing his climbing and descending skills, both of which are crucial for success in the race. The Civiglio climb, in particular, has become a signature moment in his victories, and Pogačar knows that timing his attack on this ascent could be the key to winning again.
In addition to physical preparation, Pogačar’s tactical mindset will be vital. Il Lombardia is often won by riders who can read the race well and make the right move at the right time. Pogačar has proven time and again that he has the intelligence to know when to attack and when to conserve energy, making him a master of race strategy.
“I’ve learned a lot from my previous wins,” Pogačar explained. “Every year, the race is different, and you have to be adaptable. It’s about knowing when to push hard and when to sit back. The climbs are brutal, and the descents are tricky, so staying focused is key.”
Pogačar will also rely on the support of his UAE Team Emirates squad, which has been instrumental in his previous victories. With teammates capable of controlling the race and protecting him in the crucial moments, Pogačar will have the backing needed to launch a decisive attack when the time comes.
What a Fourth Win Would Mean
A fourth Il Lombardia victory would elevate Pogačar’s legacy to new heights. It would place him alongside the greatest names in cycling history and solidify his status as one of the most versatile and dominant riders of his generation. For Pogačar, however, the victory would be about more than just accolades—it would be a personal triumph and a testament to his love for the race.
“Winning this race again would be amazing,” Pogačar said. “I’ve always loved Il Lombardia, and to win it four times would be a dream come true. It’s a race that tests every part of you, and to come out on top again would mean everything to me.”
For the cycling world, Pogačar’s pursuit of a fourth Il Lombardia victory represents the continuation of an era dominated by one of the most talented riders of all time. His ability to compete at the highest level in both grand tours and one-day races has redefined what it means to be a complete cyclist, and his passion for the sport is evident in every race he competes in.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
While Il Lombardia marks the end of the 2024 season, Pogačar’s focus is already shifting toward the challenges of 2025. With grand tour victories, Monument titles, and world championships on his mind, Pogačar is constantly pushing himself to achieve more.
“I’m always looking ahead,” Pogačar said. “This season has been incredible, but there’s always more to achieve. Next year, I’ll be aiming for even bigger goals, but for now, I’m focused on Il Lombardia. It’s the perfect way to end the year, and I want to give it everything I have.”
As Pogačar prepares to tackle Il Lombardia for the fourth time, fans around the world will be watching closely, eager to see if the Slovenian can once again make history. With his talent, determination, and passion for the race, there’s no doubt that Pogačar is ready to give it his all one last time in 2024.
The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown on the roads of northern Italy, and as Pogačar himself said: “I’m ready to go full gas, and we’ll see what happens.”
