Slovenian Cycling Sensation Wins Italian Race Amidst European Championship Triumph
Tadej Pogačar, donning the rainbow jersey of his team UAE Team Emirates, triumphed in the Tre Valli Varesine race. His victory came just a week after he clinched both the World and European Championships, showcasing his exceptional form.
The Race and Pogačar’s Attack
Pogačar executed a decisive attack 22 kilometers from the finish line, leaving his competitors trailing. This bold move secured him the 91st victory for UAE Team Emirates-XRG in the 2025 season. His teammate, Isaac del Toro, skillfully maneuvered to secure the team’s eighth position at the finish line.
Pogačar’s Second Tre Valli Varesine Win
This victory marks Pogačar’s second triumph in Tre Valli Varesine, following his pledge to return to the race after missing out on defending his title last season due to heavy rainfall that led to its cancellation.
Looking Ahead: Il Lombardia
With this win, the UAE Team Emirates appears well-positioned for their upcoming target, Il Lombardia, scheduled for Saturday. Pogačar expressed his confidence and motivation to excel in this prestigious race, aiming to join the ranks of cycling legends like Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx.
Pogačar’s Remarkable Season
This season, Pogačar has already achieved numerous victories, including Tour of Flanders and Lieja-Bastoña-Lieja. He also secured his fourth Tour de France title and defended his rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Kigali. Moreover, Pogačar triumphed in the European Championships, a race introduced post-Eddy Merckx’s era.
Historical Parallels and Rivals
Should Pogačar win Il Lombardia, he would accomplish a rare feat by matching or surpassing Eddy Merckx’s record of three Monument victories in a single season, achieved four times between 1969 and 1975. Among his main rivals are Tom Pidcock, a two-time Olympic mountain bike cross-country gold medalist making his debut in Il Lombardia, and Remco Evenepoel, the current Paris 2024 champion who finished second in 2024, over three minutes behind Pogačar.
Tre Valli Varesine 2025 Results
- 1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 4:34:28
- 2. Albert Withen Philipsen (Lidl-Trek) +45″
- 3. Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) s.t
- 8. Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates)
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Tadej Pogačar? Tadej Pogačar is a Slovenian professional road racing cyclist who rides for UAE Team Emirates.
- What is Tre Valli Varesine? Tre Valli Varesine is an annual road cycling race held in Italy, known for its challenging course and prestigious field of competitors.
- Why is this victory significant for Pogačar? This win marks Pogačar’s second Tre Valli Varesine title and comes shortly after his European Championship triumph, highlighting his exceptional form and dominance in top-tier races.
- What are Pogačar’s upcoming goals? Pogačar aims to excel in Il Lombardia, aiming to match or surpass the achievements of cycling legends like Fausto Coppi and Eddy Merckx.
