Tadej Pogacar has added another remarkable achievement to his already stellar 2025 season by winning Il Lombardia, his fifth consecutive triumph in the Italian classic. The UAE Team Emirates rider also claimed victory in the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège this year, becoming only the second cyclist after Belgian legend Eddy Merckx to win three Monuments in a single season.
Pogacar’s latest success mirrored his Giro di Lombardia win last year, where a solo attack propelled him ahead of his rivals. On the 241-kilometer course this year, he once again demonstrated his trademark strategy, leaving his competitors trailing and finishing 1 minute and 48 seconds ahead of Belgian Remco Evenepoel.
This victory elevated Pogacar to an elite status, tying him with Italian great Fausto Coppi on five Lombardia wins. Coppi’s wins came in 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, and 1954, making Pogacar the first cyclist to win the Monument five consecutive times.
UAE Team Emirates Breaks Seasonal Record
Pogacar’s triumph also helped UAE Team Emirates-XRG reach an astounding 93 wins this season, surpassing the previous all-time record of 85 wins set by Team Columbia-HTC in 2009. The Emirati squad has demonstrated unparalleled consistency and dominance across multiple races and disciplines.
“Winning Il Lombardia five times in a row feels incredible. This race really suits me, but it wouldn’t be possible without such a strong team,” Pogacar said. He praised teammates Domen Novak and Pavel Sivakov, highlighting the teamwork that protected him and allowed him to execute his winning strategy on the final climb.
Monument Podium Streak
With podium finishes in Paris-Roubaix (second) and Milano-Sanremo (third) earlier this season, Pogacar also became the first rider to finish on the podium in all five Monuments of the year, an achievement underscoring his versatility and stamina across different race profiles and conditions.
“Ernesto Colnago was at the finish, and Eddy Merckx called him, so we had a chat. It was really special,” Pogacar added, though he emphasized that he prefers not to be directly compared with other cyclists. “Everyone is unique in his own way.”
Relentless Attack on Passo di Ganda
Pogacar’s decisive move came on the final Passo di Ganda climb, where his relentless pace left Evenepoel and other competitors struggling to keep up. Michael Storer of Tudor Pro Cycling Team managed third place, over three minutes behind Pogacar. The Slovenian superstar crossed the finish line with his arms outstretched, celebrating in front of cheering crowds.
“Seven years in a row I’ve said this is my best season so far. And now, I can say it again,” Pogacar said with a smile. Looking ahead, he mentioned Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix as his next major targets but noted that he wants to relax before focusing on the 2026 season. “I’m happy with the way I finished it off this year,” he added.
A Year to Remember
Pogacar’s 2025 season has been historic. By winning three Monuments, retaining the rainbow jersey at the World Championships in Kigali, and dominating the Italian classics, he has cemented his place among cycling’s all-time greats. With a strong team and an unmatched competitive drive, Pogacar continues to set new benchmarks, inspiring a generation of cyclists and redefining what is possible in modern professional cycling.
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