Tadej Pogacar wins in Montreal and warns ahead of the World Championships

The latest training sessions had hinted that something like this would happen, and after letting victory slip away in Quebec, Tadej Pogacar has decisively won the Montreal Cyclist Grand Prix. A devastating attack 23 km from the finish left him alone until the end.

Tadej Pogacar wins again after the Tour and just before the World Championships

One week before the World Championships in Zurich, Pogacar had chosen the two Canadian races to test his form after the training block following the Tour. In Quebec, victory slipped away from him in the sprint, but in Montreal, he left no chances.

In a 209 km route and after neutralizing an initial breakaway, UAE worked to neutralize any attacks until their leader decided to make a move 23 km from the finish on the Côte Camilien-Houde, a 2.3-kilometer climb at 6.2% that they had to tackle up to 17 times. There was only that climb and one more left when Pogacar attacked without anyone being able to respond. Alaphilippe and Jorgenson tried, unsuccessfully, to follow his wheel but soon realized that victory seemed decided.

The Slovenian's devastating attack allowed him to reach the finish line with enough advantage to celebrate and enjoy his victory in the final straight. Spanish rider Pello Bilbao came in second alone and Alaphilippe closed the podium by being the first to enter from the chasing group.

Pogacar showed great confidence after the victory and already had his sights set on the World Championships:

“Everything went as we wanted. Without my teammates, the plan wouldn't have worked out perfectly, so congratulations to them too. I am very happy for the victory, we did everything together, as a team. It was very hot, it was a super tough day, a very beautiful and demanding route. I can't complain”

“Yes, this gives me an extra boost of confidence two weeks before the World Championships. I am very eager. I have some good training sessions left and I will be ready”.