Slovenian cycling superstar wins European road race

Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar once again underlined his status as the world's best rider, claiming the European road race title in France with a long-range solo attack that left rivals trailing behind.

The 202.5-kilometre course between Privas and Guilherand-Granges saw the Slovenian break away 75 kilometres from the finish. He held off Belgian Remco Evenepoel to cross the line half a minute ahead of his closest rival. Nineteen-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas secured the bronze, finishing three minutes and 41 seconds back, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The Slovenian confirmed his reputation of the best cyclist in single-day races, and not even the well-prepared Evenepoel had a solution for Pogačar's long solo attack. He chased Pogačar on his own for some 40 km, but did not manage to come close.

"I found myself in the lead and tried to keep the gap at around one minute. I wouldn't say it was a dominant performance, as Remco was chasing me the whole time, so I couldn't let up until the finish line," the Slovenian said after the win. "I'm glad it's over."

The first title of the European champion for the 27-year-old comes after Pogačar became the world road race champion for the second time in a row last weekend in Kigali, Rwanda.

He has now added to his rich collection of trophies the first medal ever for Slovenia at the European road cycling championships in the elite category, which was introduced in 2016.

This is 18th victory for Pogačar this season, which includes his fourth Tour de France win in the general classification, and victories in the Tour of Flanders and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Despite having a total of 106 victories in his career, Pogačar is still motivated to win some more. "I definitely have a few more goals. I want to be better, gain experience and try to race in different events every year," he said.

The next European Road Cycling Championships will be hosted by Ljubljana from 3 to 7 October next year, where Pogačar will be able to defend his title in front of his home fans if the organisers set up a route that suits him.

"Next year the championships will be held in Slovenia and it will be a great honour for me to participate in such a big race in my homeland," Pogačar said.