Tadej Pogacar targets record-equalling Il Lombardia victory amid Tom Pidcock deselection
Published 11/10/2024 at 21:56 GMT+1
Tadej Pogacar opened up about his chances ahead of Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the men’s 2024 cycling season. Amid Remco Evenepoel admitting fatigue and Tom Pidcock being deselected for the race, Pogacar is the favourite to claim victory. Should he triumph it would be his 25th win of the season and make him the second man to claim four consecutive Il Lombardia victories.
Pogacar shares hug with race organiser after Tre Valli Varesine cancelled mid-race
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tadej Pogacar spoke about his ambitions ahead of Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the 2024 men’s cycling season.
On Saturday, the Slovenian is looking to become the second person after Fausto Coppi to claim four consecutive Il Lombardia victories.
A first-placed finish would see Pogacar, who dominated this year’s Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, claim a 25th win of the season.
"I've stopped counting the victories," Pogacar said on Friday afternoon, courtesy of Cycling News. "I just go with the flow, with the moment, from race to race. I'm trying to have a good time with the team.
"These are nice races and I have good shape. I'm feeling good on the bike, so why not keep racing until I can?
“With the world champion's jersey, I can enjoy these races even more. I'm ready to give it my all one last time, to go full gas."
The UAE Team Emirates rider dismissed the suggestion that it would be a bigger surprise if he did not win the Italian one-day race.
He said: "In cycling, it's never easy to win, so I'd never be surprised if I don't win.
"The main thing for me is to enjoy the race, so I hope for nice weather. It's not the end of the world, if I get a bad result, or even if I don't finish."
With Tom Pidcock having been deselected by Ineos Grenadiers and Primoz Roglic already ended his season, Soudal Quick-Step’s Remco Evenepoel appears the most likely to challenge Pogacar.
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And while Evenepoel admitted he was running out of energy after a long, arduous campaign, Pogacar has insisted the Belgian will be difficult to beat in Italy.
"This week was maybe not the greatest for him but if you're not mentally prepared for the end of the season and to race miserable weather, it's hard," Pogacar said of Evenepoel.
"I think Il Lombardia is different. He's mentally ready for the big one, so I think he will give it a good go."
Stream Il Lombardia on Saturday, October 12 live on discovery+
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