Tadej Pogañar was happier, more relaxed and more reflective after raising the Giro d'Italia winning trophy in the heart of Rome on Sunday.

He dominated the race, winning in 6 stages, finishing at 9:56 ahead of Dani Martinez (Bora・Hansgrohe) and 10:24 ahead of Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadier).

Since the Giro d'Italia started in Turin 3 weeks ago, Poganyal has been fighting himself as much as his rivals. He has undoubtedly discovered new physical and mental limits that have matured as an athlete and a person. He also discovered the unique feelings of Giro d'Italia and Italian Tifosi, who lined the Italian roads to praise him and cheer him up.

He gave them just what he received, through the way he raced and many gestures to fellow riders and young children along the roadside. He not only won a lot and wore Maglia Rosa for 20 days, but also "shared the pie" and allowed the breakaway to be a success, gifting the jersey and racing moments to 20-year-old Giulio Perizari of the vf Group Valdiani CSF.

It made him a fan favorite and attracted him to even more global acclaim while dominating the race.

"People give, and you always have to give it back," Poganyar said philosophically.  

"It was a great giro. There were a lot of Tifosi and Slovenian fans from all over the world, and it was a crazy atmosphere. I enjoyed some great emotions; it was super nice parcours, the organization was pretty good. I really enjoyed it with everyone and with the team. All in all, it was a super good experience.

"I had a very nice moment, especially with the kids. They were very happy. What I advise them and try to give them is to enjoy the moment, to enjoy the game. As long as cycling is just a game, everything is fine. Enjoy the moment and follow a good mindset.

Pogachal celebrated in Rome on Sunday night with Liv-AlUla-Jayco, his family and his partner Urškašigart riding in the Emirates team of the UAE team. He has some final sponsor duties on Monday and then a few days at home in Monte Carlo

before heading to altitude for the preparation for the Tour de France "I'm tired so I'll be so happy when everything is over, now is the last push. In two or three days, everything will be perfect," he said, clearly tired of being in the spotlight of the Giro d'Italia in May.

Poganyal is now 25 years old and Girodetalia was the 6th grand tour of his incredible career. He rose to the podium in everything and added Maglia Rosa to the yellow jerseys of the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France 2 winners.  

He is mature physically and mentally with age, race after race.  

"I think every race gives you experience. This gave me experience as well," he said. "You will definitely grow in a 3-week-long race. Maybe I did another step up as a man, as a person. After this giro, we'll see how I feel and whether I'm really mature.

"As a rider, I felt very strongly. It's a long time on the bike, but I must say I was really comfortable.

"I can take a lot from this performance and how I was feeling on the bike. After some good rest, maybe I can improve too. I think I'm on a good path towards the next part of the season.

The next part of the season includes the Tour de France as Pogagnard is targeting the Giro Tour double and appears to make history as the first person to win both grand tours in the same summer since Marco Pantani in 1998.

The Tour de France starts in Florence on Saturday 6/29. It's just five weeks away.

"I'll switch off my mind, relax a bit, and then try to resume," he said, knowing that the Tour de France is already on the horizon.

"I'll try to build these legs again and improve if possible. I will look at my feelings when I reboot.

His rivals have been warned.