After 202 kilometers and 3,305 meters of elevation gain, Tadej Pogacar was crowned European road cycling champion and the white jersey with golden stars will join the one with the rainbow jersey. The Slovenian champion once again delivered an incredible show and was the undisputed protagonist of the day.

"When I found myself alone at the front, I tried to maintain a comfortable one-minute advantage," said Tadej Pogacar. "Remco was excellent and persistently chased me. I couldn't let up until the finish line and had to keep pushing hard. I'm happy it's over and happy to have won another title."

Pogacar is the first Slovenian to win the continental title and thus has written a new page in the sports history of his country, becoming the most successful athlete ever.

"We knew the race would be harder on the third climb. The Belgians started attacking already on the second lap. I was losing my teammates, Domen and Matej, who were really strong and held on. But by the third lap, I saw there were still four or five Belgians, while I was alone, and I told myself: it's better to attack than to be with those who can attack you. I tried and succeeded, it went well this time too."

The race exploded 104 km from the finish line, when French rider Pavel Sivakov attacked, followed by Evenepoel and, naturally, Pogacar, forming a group that immediately broke away. The Slovenian, a week after winning the world jersey in Kigali, once again confirmed himself as the strongest, winning the European title. And next year, his Slovenia will host the European Championships, which will be a source of pride for Pogacar.

"I've won a lot, but that doesn't mean there's nothing more, and every year I want to be a better version of myself and try to gain more experience. I want to try different races and hope to be lucky enough to win. All these races must be fun for me as long as I can. And next year, the European Championships will be held in Slovenia, and it will be a great honor to have such an important race in my country."