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Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar Claims Giro d’Italia Victory in Debut Appearance
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar (25) made an emphatic debut at the Giro d’Italia by securing an unassailable overall lead after Sunday’s 21st and final stage in Rome, clinching victory with the largest overall margin since 1965.
Riding for UAE Team Emirates, Pogacar donned the leader’s pink jersey since his stage two triumph, the first of his six stage victories. He safely finished Sunday’s ceremonial 125-km flat stage within the peloton, while Tim Merlier claimed the stage win.
“I am at a loss for words, it’s difficult to describe this moment, it’s incredible,” expressed Pogacar.
“There are many beautiful memories for sure. In a while, I’ll determine which one was the best moment, but overall, it’s been a truly beautiful Giro.”
Merlier (Soudal–Quick-Step) sprinted to victory ahead of Italy’s Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) to claim his third stage win. Milan, despite crashing on the final lap, made a remarkable recovery to contest the bunch sprint in the Eternal City.
“For the fans, it’s a monumental win, but personally, it feels a bit strange because everyone was already on the plane yesterday, enjoying beer and everything,” remarked Merlier.
“Today, we needed to race. The first part was easy, then it was full gas. For me, this kind of race is a bit special, a truly delightful victory for sprinters.”
Milan, victorious in three stages, also secured the points classification title, with Australian Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) finishing third in the final stage.
Pogacar finished a commanding nine minutes and 56 seconds ahead of Colombia’s Daniel Martinez (BORA-Hansgrohe), with Wales’ Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), last year’s runner-up, trailing a further 28 seconds behind in the overall standings.
Adding the Giro title to his two Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021, Pogacar demonstrated his dominance by asserting himself as the pre-race favorite, leaving no room for challengers after establishing an early lead on day two.
Despite the absence of last year’s winner Primoz Roglic, as well as Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar’s performance in Italy showcased his unparalleled prowess. He now sets his sights on the Tour de France.
Pogacar seized control on stage seven with an individual time trial victory ahead of Filippo Ganna, extending his lead to over two and a half minutes. He continued his dominance by winning the next stage.
Although Ganna gained redemption in the subsequent time trial, Pogacar still widened the gap on his rivals with a second-place finish. By stage 15, victory was all but assured as Pogacar claimed his fourth stage win, further distancing himself from Thomas.
On the penultimate day, Pogacar displayed no mercy, soloing to victory and securing his sixth stage win to solidify his hold on the maglia rosa, boasting an overall lead unseen at the Giro in nearly six decades.
The Slovenian also clinched the mountains classification title. On the final day, Pogacar enjoyed a leisurely ride through the streets of Rome, basking in the knowledge of his undisputed Giro triumph.
Celebrating at the finish line with his team, adorned in special pink-trimmed jerseys for the final day, Pogacar later lifted the trophy against the backdrop of Rome’s Colosseum, with the Slovenian anthem echoing for the second consecutive year.
“The pink jersey is truly special, an unbelievable experience, and the entire defense was incredibly solid. It was simply unbelievable,” remarked Pogacar.
