PARIS — Tadej Pogacar soared away from his rivals on the final climb to win for the third time in four days on the Tour of Romandie.
At the end of the mountainous ‘queen stage’ of the week-long race, Pogacar attacked twice on the 8.3km final climb the Jaunpass, AFP reported.
The first time he went he shook off every other member of a group of more than 20 except second-placed Florian Lipowitz. But the Slovenian kicked again a kilometre from the top and dropped his German rival.
After two sprint victories earlier in the six-day race, followed by a defeat at the finish by French sprinter Dorian Godon, the four-time Tour de France winner this time battled a headwind on the final descent and run to the line before raising his arms in solo victory.
Facing the microphone once more as winner at the finish line, Pogacar dismissed the suggestion that his display again suggested hi rivals have no chance when he attacks.
“I disagree,” said the World Champion, after praising his UAE teammates.
“The competitors were really good, strong, and it was really hard to drop Florian. He was really strong,” said Pogacar.
“He gave me really hard time keeping the gap the same all the time. It was definitely not easy. It was super hard, and hey, I’m happy with the performance today.”
Lipowitz chased doggedly and, after Pogacar relaxed near the line, finished 14 seconds back.
The German, who rides for Red Bull-Bora, said that Pogacar had known what he was doing when he attacked at the end of the final climb.
“I’m not the fastest guy,” he said. “I like a steady pace, and I think he was right on the last kilometre when he tried to drop me and it worked for him quite well.”
Lipowitz trails by 35 seconds, which gives him a chance of springing a surprise in Sunday’s final stage a hilly 178.2km ride from Lucens that ends with a long climb to finish at Leysin.
“I’m super happy,” Lipowitz said. “One more day!”
