After winning Liège-Bastogne-Liége, Tadej Pogacar receives very large fine after podium award ceremony mishap

Tadej Pogacar won the 2026 Liège-Bastogne-Liége but financially speaking, the day did not end well for UAE Team Emirates - XRG. After a mishap during the race's podium award ceremonies, the Slovenian was fined 5000CHF.

Pogacar started off La Doyennes as the main favourite and had a strong team to support his victory ambitions in the fourth monument of the season. He has managed to do so by putting in a stellar climbing performance, going through the Côte de la Redoute and the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons with a pace that no-one else could match. That has earned him monument number 3 of the season and number 13 of his career.

He was joined on the podium by Paul Seixas, whom he joined forces with after La Redoute; and Remco Evenepoel, who was on the day's breakaway and late on in the race had the legs to win from a small peloton sprint behind the main two riders of the day. Whilst the podium celebrations seemingly proceeded as normal, the race commissaires have fined the World Champion with a massive fine of 5000CHF.

The race jury report had the following: "Incorrect placement of publicity on the world champion jersey during the award ceremony". It is not fully certain at first glance where the issue was exactly, however the personnel on site would've had noticed the issue and have taken action.

The fines attributed to the riders are ordinarily paid by the teams and UAE Team Emirates - XRG will not likely be too bothered about the ordeal, specially after winning the race and taking a larger amount in prize money. Otherwise, this could pose an issue to other riders or teams if they were to be affected by it.

Pogacar will now travel to Switzerland where this Tuesday, he will begin the Tour de Romandie where he will be the absolute headliner, man to beat; and also looks to add a new race to his palmarès.