In 2022, there were no Tour de France victories for Tadei Pogachar, but he ended the season with a monumental victory at Il Lombardia. He ended the season in the best possible way, further motivating him for 2023.

"I was able to look back on my year and be motivated for 2023, as well as relax and enjoy the off-season.

"It was really important to bring it home and finish the race. We were able to win the Lombardia, which is the last monument and the last big race of the season. Especially after what my teammates have done here and what everyone on the team has done for me this year."

Pogachar and Mas exchanged attacks and worked together on the steep climbs of the Civiglio. Mikel Landa (Bahrain Victorious) fought back bravely every time Pogachar and Mas attacked and dropped, but the final sprint on the shores of Lake Como was between the two riders.

Mas managed to drop Pogachar in the uphill finish of the Giro delle Miglia last week, but Il Lombardia was a longer, harder race. Pogachar also had an extra week to recover from a long trip to the World Championships in Australia and the support of the strong UAE Team Emirates, which protected him until the attack in Civiglio.

"I was still recovering from last week, but I was strong at Tre Valli Varesine and so was the team. It was a close race with Enric and he had a great season."

"It would have been perfect to get away alone in Civiglio and win alone, but Mas was really strong.

Pogačar chose to run at the front and Mas responded well, but the Slovenian proved again that he was faster and was congratulated just before the finish.

"You never know what can happen after a long, hard race, but I knew what I had to do," Pogachar said.

"I was pretty tired, but once I saw the finish line I forgot about the pain and just kept going. With about 50 meters to go I had no more doubts and I was really happy when I reached the finish line. The best way to end the season is to win in Lombardy."