Tadej Pogañar has dominated the 2024 Giro d'Italia since Grande Partenza in Turin and will wear maglia rosa from stage 2, but after watching Geraint Thomas crash in front of him, it is clear that the overall victory is not guaranteed until he crosses the final finish line in Rome on Sunday. Suddenly reminded me.

Poganyar leads Dani Martinez by 7:42 and Thomas by 8:04, but the crash suddenly changed that and even allowed him to take him out of the race. Of the 176 starters, 34 riders lined up in Turin have already abandoned the giro, and Andrea Piccolo of EF Education-EasyPost has become the victim of the latest crash, with only 2 stages left in the race.

The Slovenian has hinted he will go on attack during Saturday's last mountain stage over Montegrappa, but can certainly avoid any risk on the descent to the stage finish at Bassano del Grappa.

"For almost 15 years since I started racing, I knew there would be a crash at any time," Poganyar said.

"I don't know what happens when I'm riding a bike. You need to focus. You need to think about what will happen and try to predict it. You can't always be 100% focused, but you will try.

Poganyar saw Thomas touching the wheel in front of him and colliding with his side. Fortunately, it wasn't fast and the Welshman was able to get up and race.

"He came down suddenly, I don't know what has happened," Poganyal said.

"Everyone showed some respect and we were waiting for him. It was a great moment for cycling, not for Thomas, because no one wanted to do stupid things. I hope he's okay and tomorrow he's going to be good."

Poganyal dominated the 2024 Giro d'Italia and won 5 stages, but other riders and teams were also able to move on to the success of attacking and tracking. His rivals acknowledge his superiority and sense of fair play, although he is clearly tired of easily dominating. He is a cannibal with a human heart.

"The whole Giro was really, really great in terms of respect," suggested Poganyal. "Of course, we're always flicking each other in a bunch, but with a lot of respect.

The Stage 19 finish at Zapada is close to the border with Slovenia, and a huge number of Slovenians have already traveled to Italy to cheer Poganyar on the final weekend of the race.

They sang the name of Poganyal when he completed a post-stage interview in Zapada. Many of his family and friends, his fan club and the Pogi team development team were seen in every finish.

Poganyar waved to his fans and easily gained fame and public attention as much as Grand Tour racing and winning.

"It's extra pressure, but at the same time, you feel a little special." That's a good thing. I try to enjoy it," he said modestly.

"Maybe in a few years, everyone will forget about me, so I'll make it fun. That way I can get peace and I will be happy with it too.

The climb of Montegrappa will be covered 2 times on Saturday stage. It is expected to be filled not only with Italian Tifosi, but also with thousands of Slovenian Poganyar fans.

Two days ago Pogañar suggested that Eddy Merckx make a final attack, a final show of his superiority, to take the fifth stage victory at maglia rosa, as he did in 1973. He was cautious about announcing the attack and victory in advance, especially after Thomas's crash, but expectations are growing. 

"Today was an easier day for us, so tomorrow we can control from the start and put a good pace on the first climb," Pogañar said.

"Tomorrow is the last chance to have a stage victory for the climber, we can see what we can do as a team."