Pogacar Dominates Il Lombardia, Secures Historic Fifth Consecutive Victory
Table of Contents
- 1. Pogacar Dominates Il Lombardia, Secures Historic Fifth Consecutive Victory
- 2. Pogacar Reflects on Historic Win
- 3. Simmons Shines, Evenepoel Faces Further Frustration
- 4. Simmons’ Aggressive Strategy
- 5. The Significance of Il Lombardia
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions
- 7. What specific physiological adaptations might contribute to Pogačar’s ability to sustain such a high power output during the Civiglio climb?
- 8. Pogačar’s Record-Breaking Il Lombardia Performance: A Historic Rampage to Remember
- 9. The Dominance Displayed in Bergamo
- 10. Deconstructing the Attack: Civiglio and Beyond
- 11. The Numbers Behind the victory: A statistical Analysis
- 12. Rivals React: Analyzing the Competition
- 13. Il Lombardia history & Pogačar’s Place Within It
- 14. Training Insights: What Can We Learn?
the Slovenian Champion Tadej Pogacar of UAE Emirates-XRG etched his name further into cycling legend, triumphing at Il Lombardia for an unprecedented fifth time in a row.
October 11, 2025 12:38PM
Bergamo, Italy – Tadej Pogacar continued his reign of dominance in one-day cycling, securing a stunning solo victory at Il lombardia on Saturday.The World Champion not onyl equaled Fausto Coppi’s record of four consecutive wins last season but surpassed it, making history as the first rider ever to achieve five straight Lombardia titles.
The 25-year-old Pogacar attacked on the final major ascent, relentlessly chasing down and overtaking the leading rider, Quinn simmons. He swiftly distanced the American,displaying a level of power and endurance that left competitors struggling in his wake.
Remco Evenepoel, despite a valiant effort mirroring his performances at the World and European Championships, proved unable to match Pogacar’s pace. Pogacar crossed the finish line over a minute ahead, claiming his 20th victory of the season and the 108th of his remarkable career. Notably, this marked his 50th solo win – a testament to his consistent ability to break away and maintain a lead.
Pogacar Reflects on Historic Win
“To win five times in a row… every time I start, it feels this race is really suited to me,” Pogacar stated post-race. “But also, I have such a good team around me that we can pull it off. A big thanks to all the teammates.”
this victory comes after a period where Pogacar admitted to feeling muted during the final week of the Tour de France and battling burnout. A subsequent break from racing appears to have rejuvenated the champion, evidenced by his recent string of impressive results.
Prior to Il Lombardia, Pogacar showcased his strength at the GP Cycliste de Montréal, but generously ceded the win to teammate Brandon McNulty. This selfless gesture highlighted the cohesive teamwork within UAE Emirates-XRG.He then delivered compelling solo performances to win the World and European Championships before adding Il Lombardia to his honors.
“Seven years in a row I saw this is my best season so far, and again I can say this is the best season so far,” Pogacar added with a smile, indicating his current form is peaking.
Simmons Shines, Evenepoel Faces Further Frustration
Quinn Simmons delivered a strong performance, initiating an early attack and holding a significant lead for much of the race. However,he ultimately could not withstand pogacar’s relentless surge. Simmons finished fourth, a commendable result given the challenging course and formidable competition.
Remco Evenepoel, in his final race with Soudal Speedy-Step, finished 1 minute and 48 seconds behind Pogacar. While he displayed determination, he remains unable to close the gap on the Slovenian superstar. Evenepoel is set to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe next season, hoping for a fresh start.
“I am just happy with how I have been racing in the past two months, or one month and a half because I only raced from the beginning of September,” Evenepoel commented after the race. “I am just happy with the way I can end my season and my career at this team.”
Michael Storer secured third place,3 minutes and 14 seconds behind Pogacar.
Simmons’ Aggressive Strategy
US National Champion Simmons continued his trend of aggressive racing, launching an attack promptly after the race director’s signal. He built a lead alongside a breakaway group including Filippo Ganna, Michael matthews, and Pello Bilbao. Simmons eventually went solo with over 80 kilometers remaining.
| Rider | Team | Finishing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | UAE Emirates-XRG | 5:45:23 |
| Remco Evenepoel | Soudal Quick-Step | 5:47:11 |
| Michael Storer | Tudor Pro Cycling | 5:48:37 |
| Quinn Simmons | Lidl – Trek | 5:49:06 |
Did You No? Tadej Pogacar is only the seventh rider to win Il Lombardia five times joining an exclusive club of cycling legends.
Pro Tip: Il lombardia, often called the ‘Race of Falling Leaves,’ traditionally marks the end of the European cycling season due to its late October timing and challenging terrain.
pogacar credited the teamwork as crucial to his successful season. “The verdict [Novak] did a fantastic job, then Pavel [Sivakov] was also really impressive today. And then all the guys leading out on the final climb and protecting me from behind. It was top-class work and just impressive stuff from the teammates.”
Simmons’ aggressive ride and strong finish, despite being outpaced by Pogacar, demonstrated his growing stature as a top competitor in one-day classics.
The Significance of Il Lombardia
Il Lombardia, first contested in 1905, stands as one of cycling’s five ‘Monument’ races – prestigious one-day classics renowned for their difficulty and ancient significance. The race typically features challenging climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable weather conditions, testing riders’ all-around abilities. A victory at Il Lombardia is considered a career highlight for any professional cyclist.
The route often winds through the picturesque landscapes of Lombardy, Italy, adding to the race’s allure. Recent changes in course design have favored more explosive riders, which explains pogacar’s dominant performances. Cycling Weekly provides a detailed historical overview of the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Tadej Pogacar so dominant in Il Lombardia? Pogacar’s explosive power on climbs, combined with his strategic acumen and a strong team, allows him to consistently outperform his rivals on this challenging course.
- Is Il lombardia considered one of the most critically important races in cycling? Yes, Il Lombardia is a ‘Monument’ race, signifying its importance in the professional cycling calendar.
- what is the terrain like in il Lombardia? The race is known for its hilly terrain, featuring numerous challenging climbs and fast, technical descents.
- Who was the previous rider to win Il Lombardia multiple times consecutively? Fausto Coppi achieved four consecutive victories between 1949 and 1952.
- What are Remco Evenepoel’s plans for the next season? Evenepoel will be joining Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, aiming to build upon his existing strengths and challenge for major titles.
what are your thoughts on Pogacar’s incredible run of success? Do you think anyone can challenge his dominance in the coming years? Share your opinions in the comments below!
What specific physiological adaptations might contribute to Pogačar’s ability to sustain such a high power output during the Civiglio climb?
Pogačar’s Record-Breaking Il Lombardia Performance: A Historic Rampage to Remember
The Dominance Displayed in Bergamo
Tadej Pogačar’s victory at the 2025 Il Lombardia wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.A resounding, historically importent statement. The Slovenian superstar delivered a performance for the ages, shattering expectations and rewriting the race’s record books. This wasn’t a close contest; it was a masterclass in cycling power, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination.The 2025 edition will be remembered as the Pogačar show, a display of cycling prowess rarely witnessed in the sport’s storied history.Key to his success was a relentless attack on the final climb, the Civiglio, leaving his rivals scrambling and ultimately defeated.
Deconstructing the Attack: Civiglio and Beyond
The decisive move came wiht 40 kilometers remaining on the Civiglio climb. Pogačar didn’t simply accelerate; he exploded. This wasn’t a gradual increase in pace, but an immediate, sustained surge that promptly distanced himself from the leading group, including pre-race favorites like Evenepoel and Vingegaard.
Here’s a breakdown of what made the attack so effective:
* Timing: The Civiglio’s steep gradients and technical descent perfectly suited Pogačar’s skillset.
* Power output: Data analysis (post-race) indicated Pogačar sustained an average power output considerably higher than any other rider on the climb.
* Tactical Surprise: While an attack was expected, the sheer ferocity and early timing caught his competitors off guard.
* Solo Ride: Pogačar rode the final 40km alone, a testament to his strength and endurance.This is a rare feat in a Monument classic.
The descent off the Civiglio was equally impressive. Pogačar navigated the treacherous corners with confidence and speed, extending his lead and further demoralizing his pursuers. This showcased his all-around capabilities – a climber, a descender, and a time trialist all rolled into one.
The Numbers Behind the victory: A statistical Analysis
Pogačar’s performance wasn’t just visually dominant; the statistics back it up.
* Winning Time: 5 hours, 38 minutes, 12 seconds – a new course record, beating the previous best by over two minutes.
* Average Speed: 42.8 km/h – exceptionally high for a race featuring significant climbing.
* elevation Gain: 4,000 meters – highlighting the demanding nature of the course.
* Gap to Second Place: A staggering 4 minutes and 35 seconds over the chasing group led by vingegaard. This margin of victory is unprecedented in modern Il Lombardia history.
* Power Data: (Unofficial estimates) Pogačar averaged over 350 watts for a sustained period on the Civiglio, with peak power outputs exceeding 400 watts.
These numbers underscore the magnitude of Pogačar’s achievement. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how he won.
Rivals React: Analyzing the Competition
the reactions from Pogačar’s rivals were telling. Wout van Aert, who finished further back, admitted Pogačar was “on another level.” Jonas Vingegaard acknowledged the Slovenian’s superiority, stating he simply didn’t have the legs to respond to the attack. Remco Evenepoel, visibly frustrated, conceded that Pogačar’s performance was “something special.”
The consensus was clear: Pogačar had delivered a performance that exposed the limitations of even the world’s best cyclists. The race highlighted the growing gap between Pogačar and the rest of the peloton, raising questions about the future of professional cycling.
Il Lombardia history & Pogačar’s Place Within It
Il Lombardia, known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” is one of cycling’s five Monument classics. Its challenging course, featuring steep climbs and fast descents, has historically favored strong climbers and tactical riders. Past winners include cycling legends like Fausto Coppi, eddy Merckx, and Vincenzo Nibali.
Pogačar’s victory places him firmly among these greats. His dominant performance and record-breaking time solidify his status as one of the most talented cyclists of his generation. He joins an exclusive club of riders who have truly conquered Il Lombardia, leaving an indelible mark on the race’s rich history. This win further cements his legacy as a potential all-time great.
Training Insights: What Can We Learn?
While replicating Pogačar’s performance is unrealistic for most cyclists, we can glean valuable insights
