{"id":205800,"date":"2025-10-11T19:28:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-11T19:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/205800\/"},"modified":"2025-10-11T19:28:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T19:28:08","slug":"tadej-pogacars-classy-gestures-at-il-lombardia-to-rafal-majkas-final-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/205800\/","title":{"rendered":"Tadej Poga\u010dar\u2019s classy gesture(s) at Il Lombardia to Rafal Majka\u2019s final race"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Saturday, world champion took (another) huge win, soloing (go figure) to a dominant (shocker) win (no way!) at Il Lombardia<\/a>. But he also made sure to pay tribute to one of his key teammates, Rafal Majka<\/a>. The 36-year-old Polish pro hung up his cleats after the Italian Monument.<\/p>\n

Before the start, Pogi was candid. \u201cIt\u2019s the last day with Rafa,\u201d he said to Cycling Pro. \u201cIt\u2019s been such an honour to ride with him. He was my big brother, my mentor over these last few years. We\u2019ve been through so much together. He helped me to become what I\u2019ve become. I\u2019ll miss him so much after today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Poga\u010dar sealed his fifth straight Il Lombardia with another crushing solo move, matching Costante Girardengo\u2019s tally of ten Monument wins and capping a run of four consecutive victories since his world title. The 238 km route from Como to Bergamo featured the Madonna del Ghisallo and the decisive Passo di Ganda, where he caught and dropped early escapee Quinn Simmons before riding alone to Como. Remco Evenepoel chased but never threatened, finishing nearly two minutes back, with Michael Storer taking a career-best third. It marked UAE-Emirates\u2019 93rd win of the season and yet another historic landmark for Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n

Majka turned professional in 2011 with Saxo Bank and quickly proved his value, notably helping Alberto Contador at the 2012 Vuelta. A gifted climber, he earned leadership chances early and finished seventh on GC in his first Giro in 2013. He\u2019s had a good run: Tour de France stage wins, two polka-dot jerseys, a Vuelta podium, multiple Giro top-10s, and classics pedigree with podiums at Il Lombardia and the Rio Olympics.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s been a key helper for Pogi, underscoring the fact that yes, cycling is very much a team sport. The veteran is often at the front when the team sets a crazy-hard pace before Poga\u010dar goes nuclear. On Saturday, as he took his last pull in the tempo leadout\u2014something special happened. As he pulled off to cruise to the finish,\u2014the rainbow jersey took a moment and looked back as the Pole coasted back\u2014and saluted him for a job well done.<\/p>\n

That was cool enough, but the Slovenian also gave him a shoutout as he cruised to the win.<\/p>\n

A special tribute to Rafa \ud83d\udc4f<\/p>\n

Tadej Poga\u010dar made two heartfelt gestures for his team-mate Rafa\u0142 Majka, who raced for the final time as a professional at Il Lombardia.
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\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 #iLombardia<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YMidzDh2Q4<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Velon CC (@VelonCC) October 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n