Pogacar makes his debut in the rainbow jersey after winning the Giro del Emilia

Slovenian Tadej Pogacar (UAE)world champion, this Saturday lived up to expectations and conquered the Giro de la Emilia with overwhelming superiority, flying the very difficult climb to San Luca and raising his hands alone in the rain and fog of Bologna with an almost 2-minute lead.

Pogacar again did something unthinkable for many ordinary people. On a day ridden on water, with thick fog making the route difficult, he managed to ride without complications, celebrating his historic 2024 on cement, becoming the third cyclist after Eddy Merckx in 1974 and Stephen Roche in 1987 to win the race. the same year the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and World Championships.

The Giro de la Emilia, one of the classic Italian events, was one of the few events that the Slovenian did not have on his resume, and he did not miss the opportunity to add another title, his first as world champion, in preparation for Il Lombardia. ‘.

Since the route passed through Bologna, there was only one dominant race. There was no possibility of surprise, no one could escape the inevitable, once again an impressive victory for the Slovenian, who signed with 38 km remaining, attacking on the first of five climbs to San Luca, 2.1 km and about 10% slope.

At this point the options dried up for the rest of us, especially the British. Thomas Pidcock (INEOS) and Italian Davide Piganzoli (Polti Cometa)finishing on the podium almost two minutes behind Pogačar. Spaniard Enric Mas was eighth.

Neither Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) nor Slovenian Primoz Roglic (BORA) were able to take on the silent champion in the final laps of the track in one of the most anticipated fights of the day that never took place.

Pogacar celebrated in style in Emilia-Romagna after running nearly 40km, a historic season in which he once again demonstrated that he has no rivals. His next goal is against Il Lombardia next Saturday.