Pogacar dominates Tirreno-Adriatico, Setting the Stage for Milan-Sanremo
Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogacar (UAE) has secured his second consecutive victory at Tirreno-Adriatico, cementing his remarkable start to the 2023 season. His commanding performance throughout the week-long race left no doubt about his dominance.
With milan-Sanremo,the first of cycling’s prestigious “Monuments,” looming just days away,Pogacar has already amassed an extraordinary seven wins this year. His triumphs include two stage victories adn the overall title at the UAE Tour, and also a commanding display on the challenging gravel paths of the “White Roads.”
The final stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, a sprint finish on the Adriatic coast in San benedetto del Tronto, saw German sprinter Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain) claim victory. Though, the overall classification remained unchanged, with Pogacar, at just 23 years old, retaining his crown with remarkable skill and panache.
Pogacar’s dominance was evident from the outset, securing a strong third-place finish in the opening time trial. He then whent on to conquer the two most demanding stages: Thursday’s stage to Bellante and Saturday’s grueling ascent of Monte Carpegna, a climb etched in cycling history as the site of Eddy Merckx’s legendary victory in the 1973 Giro d’Italia.
On Saturday, Pogacar delivered a masterclass, leaving his rivals, including main contender Remco Evenepoel, trailing by over four minutes.Evenepoel, who had managed to stay with Pogacar until the penultimate stage, ultimately dropped out of the top 10.
“Our team performed exceptionally well, and I’m thrilled to win again,” exclaimed Pogacar, visibly elated as he received the coveted trident of Neptune, the symbol of victory at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo), Pogacar’s rival from the 2022 Tour de France, secured second place mirroring his result from last year’s Tour. Spaniard Mikel Landa (Bahrain) rounded out the podium in third,replicating his performance from the previous edition of Tirreno-Adriatico.
World champion Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-QuickStep), still recovering from a heavy fall on the “White Roads,” primarily rode in support of Evenepoel during the race.Milan-Sanremo, which Alaphilippe won in 2019, presents a prime prospect for the Frenchman to reclaim his place among the frontrunners.
Pogacar, while acknowledging his current form, remains grounded, stating that he never considers himself “unbeatable.” However, his ambition is clear: “I’m eager for Milan-Sanremo, although it will undoubtedly be a very different race,” he emphasized.
With his recent triumphs and unwavering determination, Pogacar is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with as the cycling season progresses.
Pogacar’s Dominance: A One-Man Show or a Glimpse into the Future? – An Interview with Sean kelly
Tadej Pogacar’s recent domination at Tirreno-Adriatico has sent shockwaves through the cycling world. The Slovenian phenom seems unstoppable, racking up win after win. But is his dominance a temporary phenomenon, or are we witnessing the emergence of a true cycling legend? To unpack this question, I sat down with cycling legend Sean Kelly, winner of Paris-Nice a remarkable seven times, and a man who knows a thing or two about conquering the sport’s toughest challenges.
Moderator: Sean, Pogacar’s Tirreno-Adriatico victory was thoroughly notable. He seems to have taken another leap forward this season. What are your thoughts on his performance?
Sean Kelly: It’y certainly hard to argue with the results. Pogacar’s riding has been nothing short of phenomenal. He’s clearly a supremely talented rider, both physically and tactically. But tirreno is one thing, Milan-Sanremo is a whole different beast.
Moderator: You’re right, Milan-Sanremo is a completely different type of race.Do you think Pogacar can translate this form into a Monument victory?
Sean Kelly: On paper,he certainly has the tools. His climbing prowess gives him an edge on the Poggio, and his sprinting ability is more than adequate. However,Milan-Sanremo is notorious for it’s unpredictable nature. Anything can happen. remember, Evenepoel was right there with him until the penultimate stage. You need a mix of luck and tactical brilliance to win that race.
Moderator: speaking of Evenepoel, his challenge seemed to fade on that grueling Monte Carpegna stage. What do you make of that performance?
Sean Kelly: I think Evenepoel is still finding his footing after his lead-up illness. He’s a fighter, and we shouldn’t discount him for the bigger races like the Tour de France. He’s proven he can bounce back.
Moderator: Pogacar has been winning consistently throughout the season, racking up seven victories already. Is this dominance a good thing for the sport?
Sean Kelly: Look, it’s always exciting to see a talent like Pogacar emerge. He’s captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. However, too much dominance can sometimes be detrimental.It needs competition. Let’s hope others can rise to the challenge and make it a truly exciting season.
Moderator: you reigned supreme in Paris-nice, winning it an incredible seven times. How does Pogacar’s domination in Tirreno compare?
Sean Kelly: It’s a different era, a different style of racing. But the hallmark of a champion is consistency, and Pogacar is demonstrating that in spades.
Moderator: Some have already begun comparing Pogacar to greats like Merckx and Indurain. Is that a fair comparison at this stage?
Sean Kelly: It’s way too early to make those comparisons. Those riders dominated an era, won multiple Grand Tours, and cemented their legacies. Pogacar has all the potential, but time will tell if he can achieve those heights.
Moderator: So, what do you foresee for Milan-Sanremo?
Sean Kelly: Pogacar is the frontrunner, there’s no doubt whatsoever. But he’s not unbeatable.The likes of Alaphilippe, a former winner, Van der Poel, and even Van Baarle will be hungry for victory. It’ll be a race to remember, I’m sure of that.
What do you think, cycling fans? Can Pogacar conquer Milan-Sanremo and continue his incredible run, or will we see an upset? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
