As the 2023 edition of the Fleche Wallonne approached, an all-too-familiar question saturated social media and broader cycling commentary.

The answer was clearly evidenced in the Mûr de Huy. Pogachar attacked with 150 meters to go in the final uphill sprint, ahead of Matthias Skjelmoes (Trek-Segafredo) and Mikkel Landa (Bahrain Victorious), and pulled away from his main rivals.

While it would be easy to attribute this result to yet another demonstration of exceptional strength, Pogachar was quick to credit his team and the day's long-distance tactics as a factor in his victory.

After the race, he said, "It was a perfect lead-out. We basically did a 200km leadout." [I was in control until the last 200m when Bardet attacked.

"About 150m to go was my goal [to attack], and I just tried to make the best of it from there."

"Without [the team], I wouldn't have won today," Pogachar added. Pogachar added. Pogachar, who was in a clear advantageous position as they approached the frache, reflected on how the team was marked on the field. 'Nobody was helping us. Nobody helped us," Pogachar said.

Pogachar, who has excelled in long solo attacks, lacked confidence in his early attacks in Flèche Wallonne. "It's really tricky going solo here," Pogachar said. The three kilometers before Mule are flat, and you really pay the price if you're alone."

"I was able to run at a good pace, so no one could [attack]. It was perfect for us because it was always pretty hard and fast."

Pogachar's victory may seem like a broken record, but the Slovenian is apparently not tired of success.

"For me, winning is ...... I never get tired of being the first to cross the line. 'I'm really grateful to be in this moment right now. I'm going to enjoy it while I can."

His final goal for the classic season lies ahead. Liège-Bastogne-Liège takes place this Sunday, and a third consecutive Ardennes title (Amstel Gold, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the same season) is in Pogachar's sights.

Acknowledging the legacy of the only two men's winners, Philippe Gilbert and Davide Rebellin, Pogachar made clear his desire to win. He said, "My last goal early in the season is Sunday.

But he sees this race as something completely different. Maybe the other competitors are a little too afraid of us," he said. For Liege, it will be a completely different game. A lot of teams have a chance to beat me."