Tadej Pogacar Crowned World Road Cycling Champion in Zurich
Tadej Pogacar has made history by becoming the World Road Cycling Champion in Zurich, solidifying his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. With this victory, Pogacar joins the elite ranks of Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche, becoming only the third rider ever to secure the prestigious "triple crown" in a single year, having already won the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France.
In what has been an incredible year for the Slovenian cyclist, Pogacar has also claimed victories in notable races including the Strade Bianche, Tour of Catalonia, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Grand Prix of Montreal. His remarkable performance in Zurich was highlighted by a decisive acceleration 100 kilometers from the finish line, leaving competitors like Mathieu Van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel trailing behind. Tragically, French champion Julian Alaphilippe was forced to abandon the race due to a fall, marking a disappointing turn of events for the two-time world champion.
France's Strategy Under Coach Thomas Voeckler
Despite having a former double world champion in their ranks, France was seen as an underdog at the World Championships in Zurich. Coach Thomas Voeckler embraced this role, aiming to surprise the competition rather than succumb to the pressure of expectations. Voeckler’s strategic planning was evident as he assembled a team capable of executing a well-defined game plan, with Alaphilippe leading the charge.
Alaphilippe expressed his motivation and confidence in the team, stating, "I am approaching the race super motivated and proud of the team that Thomas has built." The team, featuring talents like Julien Bernard, Rudy Mollard, and Pavel Sivakov, was prepared to work collaboratively to achieve victory. Voeckler's focus was clear: while medals are significant, only the top spot on the podium truly matters in the world of cycling.
