The largest margin victory in 59 years goes to Pogacar.
A small number of expert cyclists could claim victory in the Giro d'Italia. Tadej Pogacar's win resembled more of an intense training session than an actual race, with his performance failing to excite many competitors and onlookers.
Standing triumphantly on the ceremonial lap beside his teammates, Pogacar celebrated his triumph as the winner of the 107th Giro d'Italia beneath the grandeur of the Colosseum. Pogacar's dominance in the Italian Grand Tour began from the first stage on and continued uninterruptedly, sealing victory on Via di San Gregorio in a sprint by Belgian Tim Merlier. "This was almost the ideal Giro," said Pogacar. "I never thought it'd turn out this way."
Pogacar had claimed the leader's pink jersey on the second day and held onto it until the end, while on the final mountain stage on Saturday, "Pink Pog" displayed his invincibility once more, securing his sixth stage victory. This unmatched accomplishment had also never been achieved in a single Giro, not even by cycling legend Eddy Merckx.
"Perhaps the victory today wasn't essential," explained Pogacar, "but I wanted it for myself and my team." Indeed, if he desired anything during the three weeks of the Giro, he made it happen immediately. An astonishing gap of 9:56 minutes separated Pogacar from second-placed Daniel Martinez, leader of the German team Bora-hansgrohe. No larger lead had been seen since 1965.
Future Ambitions: Tour Victory
With his win at the Italian Grand Tour, Pogacar has achieved just half of his goal. Only a year ago, the rising star of cycling declared his intention to conquer both the Giro and the Tour. In recent times, this combination had been deemed unattainable.
Before the start in Turin, it was predicted that Pogacar would dominate the Giro if he could avoid crashes or illness. Given that most of the world's top cyclists focused on competing in the Tour de France, spectators assumed he would enter maintenance mode once he established a comfortable lead. What happened next came as a complete surprise.
Incredibly versatile all-rounder Pogacar carried on winning, precisely the way he desired. "A victory is a victory, even if it's only by a second. In this Giro, it just played out this way," said Pogacar. He wanted to finish the race with high spirits and fresh legs. "It should serve as a good rehearsal for the summer. I've managed it, so I'm thrilled."
Trainer Transition in the Winter
The prospect of conquering the double after his remarkable Giro performance has risen. Not only because of Pogacar's outstanding performance, but also due to the crashes involving Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic, all of which occurred at the beginning of April. Evenepoel and Roglic will participate in the Dauphiné, the traditional Tour rehearsal, next week. However, the participation of two-time Tour victor Vingegaard is unclear.
After an extended period of injury, it was uncertain whether Pogacar would be able to maintain his impressive form. However, it seems he has made significant strides forward, appearing unstoppable. Pogacar's win in the challenging gravel race Strade Bianche last spring was followed by his stunning triumph at the Giro.
The change in trainers over the winter is believed to be the driving force behind this latest improvement. Pogacar parted ways with Iñigo San Millán and opted for his fellow Spaniard Javier Sola instead. This coach touts "human performance" in his bio on Professional Cycling. "Human performance." It's more like "extraterrestrial performance" in the eyes of the competition. Renowned rider Geraint Thomas, who credibly finished third at the Giro at 38 years old, remarked, "He is the most gifted cyclist I've ever seen on the course. It's mind-blowing how talented he is. His physical capacity is unparalleled."
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Source: www.ntv.de
