"I cannot believe what just happened!" - Tadej Pogacar echoes the thoughts of every cycling fan after astonishing Rainbow Jersey victory

Tadej Pogacar has done it! The Slovenian has become just the third rider in history to complete cycling's fabled 'Triple Crown' of Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and World Championships road race, completing the feat via a truly astonishing 100km attack in Zurich.

"I cannot believe what just happened!" This is how the new Rainbow Jersey opened his post-race interview, a comment uttered by many cycling fans since his 100km attack. "After this kind of season, I put a lot of pressure on myself for today, and yeah, I had pressure from myself and from my team. We came here for the victory."

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Peerless Tadej Pogacar wins Rainbow Jersey with epic 100km attack, completing fabled 'Triple Crown' at 2024 World Championships in Zurich

Although Pogacar had been heavily touted pre-race, a 100km attack was not in the predictions of any experts. "Yeah, the race unfolded pretty quick," he says with a smile. "There was a dangerous breakaway in front and yeah, I maybe did a stupid attack but luckily Jan Tratnik was there with me and I just never gave up until the final. It's an incredible day and I just can't believe what happened!"

"We had planned to keep the race under control but the race went quite early and I don't really know what I was thinking. I just went with the flow and luckily I made it, but it was so tough," Pogacar continues. "After many years fighting for the Tour de France and other races, I never had a World Championships as a clear goal. But this year, everything went smoothly and after a perfect season, this was my really big goal and it happened. I have to thank all the team because without them it would not have been possible. I'm super proud of our national team! Let's go!"

Behind Pogacar, completing the podium in Zurich, Ben O'Connor and Mathieu van der Poel in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

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VIDEO: Watch the moment an emotional Tadej Pogacar realises his dream and becomes world champion!

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HISTORIC 👑👑👑 Men Elite UCI World Champion 🌈 for Tadej Pogačar, #Zurich2024

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