Tadej Pogačar Completes Triple Crown with World Road Race Championship Victory
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, has secured his place in the pantheon of all-time greats by capturing the prestigious World Road Race Championship title, completing the elusive “Triple Crown” of cycling. This triumphant victory, following his Tour de France and Giro di Lombardia titles, marks a defining moment in the 25-year-old’s illustrious career and adds a significant chapter to the sport’s history.
Tadej Pogačar’s rise to the top of professional cycling has been nothing short of meteoric. From his breakthrough victory in the 2019 Vuelta a España, where he won three stages and finished third overall at the tender age of 20, it became clear that Pogačar was a force to be reckoned with. His talent, poise, and versatility on all terrains have made him one of the most complete riders in the peloton, capable of excelling in both Grand Tours and one-day classics.
After clinching his second Tour de France victory in 2021, Pogačar set his sights on new challenges, with the World Road Race Championship becoming a target. Although he narrowly missed the rainbow jersey on earlier attempts, 2024 saw the Slovenian enter the event with renewed focus and form that had rival teams scrambling to figure out how to counter him.
The 2024 UCI World Road Race Championship unfolded as one of the most highly anticipated showdowns in recent memory. With riders like Wout Van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu van der Poel also in top form, the stage was set for an epic duel between cycling’s elite. The grueling course, filled with punchy climbs, challenging descents, and unpredictable weather conditions, promised to be a battlefield that would test every rider to the limit.
Pogačar, however, was not to be denied. Riding with supreme confidence and tactical brilliance, he kept himself positioned among the leading group throughout the race. Despite numerous attacks from his rivals, Pogačar’s ability to respond to every move—while conserving energy for the critical moments—showcased his strategic acumen.
With just under 20 kilometers to go, Pogačar made his move on a steep incline, leaving behind a fragmented peloton. His decisive acceleration caught the main contenders off guard, and though Van Aert and van der Poel attempted to bridge the gap, Pogačar’s superior climbing ability and endurance proved too much. Riding solo through the final stretch, he crossed the finish line with arms raised high, securing his first World Championship road race title and completing the Triple Crown.
In the world of professional cycling, the “Triple Crown” refers to a rider winning the Tour de France, a Monument (one of the five oldest and most prestigious one-day races), and the World Road Race Championship. While many riders have conquered one or two of these titles in a single career, few have managed to capture all three—a testament to the breadth of skills and consistency required to achieve such a feat.
Pogačar’s road to the Triple Crown is particularly impressive. He won the Tour de France twice (2020, 2021), showcasing his ability to dominate in the mountains and time trials. His victory in the Giro di Lombardia, one of cycling’s five Monuments, underlined his capacity to perform in one-day races, known for their unpredictability and tactical complexity. Now, with his World Road Race Championship triumph, Pogačar stands alongside legends like Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats.
At just 25 years old, Pogačar’s future in cycling remains incredibly bright. His versatility across different formats—whether it’s dominating in multi-week Grand Tours or excelling in the most demanding one-day races—sets him apart as a rider who could redefine what is possible in the sport. With this World Championship victory, he adds another accolade to his already glittering résumé, but it’s clear that Pogačar’s ambitions do not stop here.
After his win, Pogačar reflected on the significance of his achievement: “This has been a dream of mine for many years. Winning the World Championship is something that every cyclist aspires to, and to do it while completing the Triple Crown is beyond words. It was an incredibly tough race, but my team was fantastic, and I’m just proud to have pulled it off.”
In addition to his raw talent, Pogačar has endeared himself to fans with his humility and sportsmanship. Throughout his career, he has remained grounded, even as accolades piled up. His relationships with teammates, rivals, and fans alike have created a rider that people not only respect but also admire on a personal level.
The cycling world now eagerly awaits what Tadej Pogačar will achieve next. His ability to continue pushing boundaries, whether by targeting more Grand Tours, further Monuments, or perhaps even the Olympics, leaves endless possibilities for the Slovenian.
Some speculate that with the completion of the Triple Crown, Pogačar may look towards diversifying his career, possibly targeting cycling disciplines outside of road racing. Rumors have even circulated about his potential interest in mountain biking, a sport he has dabbled in, following in the footsteps of riders like Peter Sagan who have made successful transitions across disciplines.
For now, though, the world can marvel at the extraordinary achievements of this cycling prodigy. By conquering the World Road Race Championship, Pogačar has not only written his name into the history books but also given the cycling community a performance that will be remembered for generations.
Tadej Pogačar’s World Road Race Championship victory is more than just another win—it is the culmination of years of hard work, talent, and resilience. Completing the Triple Crown cements his legacy as one of cycling’s finest, and at such a young age, he may only just be getting started. As the rainbow jersey rests on his shoulders, the world of cycling will be watching closely to see what new heights this extraordinary rider will scale next.
