Far, far behind Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), the two other stars present on this Tower of Emilie, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) et Primoz Roglic (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), abandoned the race along the way. Yet at the front during the first ascent of the San Luca coast, where Evenepoel even attacked, the two men were never seen again on screen. Unable to follow when Pogacar accelerated 38 kilometers from the finish, the Belgian and the Slovenian left the race.
Video – Tadej Pogacar’s victory in this 2024 Tour of Emilia
What are the reasons for these abandonments?
For the moment, their respective teams have not communicated on the reason for this abandonment. Hoping it’s just a lack of motivation after the show Pogacarwhile not wanting to catch a cold in very difficult climatic conditions, with a view to Tour of Lombardy next Saturday.
Especially since Remco Evenepoel still has a busy schedule before next weekend. The Belgian will indeed align himself with the Bernocchi Cup Monday and Three Valleys Varesines Tuesday. No races are currently on the program for Roglic before the Lombardyeven if participation in Three Valleys Varesines cannot be ruled out for the Slovenian.
A week after crushing the Zurich World Championships, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) took care to show off its new rainbow jersey on the Tower of Emilie . In an attack more than 37 kilometers from the finish, the Slovenian defeated an event that he had difficulty winning (2nd in 2022 and 2023). Pogacar finally won with more than a minute and 50 seconds on Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers).
“Mission accomplished”
Tadej Pogacar spoke after his victory. “Mission accomplished. I’m very happy to win in this rainbow jersey. I have to admit that I felt really good. The first days after until Thursday were like nothing and when I arrived here, I I had the kit, the whole jersey, and I started to feel a little pressure. First race with the rainbow jersey, I had to prove that I was the best. I was under pressure to do a. good performance today but it was a good day in the end” he declared.
