Professional Slovanian cyclist Tadej Pogacar presents his racing bike, that is specially made for the World Cycling Championships in Switzerland. Pogacar claimed his 91st career success when he won the final stage of the UAE Tour and with it the overall classification for the third time. Tom Bachmann/dpa
Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogacar claimed his 91st career success when he won the final stage of the UAE Tour and with it the overall classification for the third time.
The reigning world, Giro d’Italia and Tour de France champion Pagacar attacked at the final climb of the stage to Jebel Hafeet to win 32 seconds from Italian rider Giulio Ciccone.
It was the second stage win for Pogacar at the race in the United Arab Emirates which he won 1:14 minutes ahead of Ciccone. His previous titles there were in 2021 and 2022.
“I didn’t want to be surprised by a counter attack or anything. It was better to go at my own pace. It was a good day,” Pogacar said.
Pogacar said he would not part in stage races until the Criterium de Dauphiné in France in June and concentrate on the big one-day classics in spring.
“I will switch my mind to one day classics and I hope to do well there also,” he said.
Pogacar finally wants to win Milan-Sanremo and also plans to race at the Tour of Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. There is also speculation he could ride Paris-Roubaix for the first time after posting a training video from one of the key parts of the race.
Pogacar has said he will not defend his Giro title in May and focus on the Tour de France and the world championships. He may also take part in the Vuelta a Espana.