"Now I can relax a little bit" - Tadej Pogacar completes set of Grand Tour stage wins and moves into pink at Giro d'Italia 2024

It took one stage longer than many people predicted, but Tadej Pogacar is in the Maglia Rosa for the first time in his career at the 2024 Giro d'Italia after a stunning solo success on stage 2.

“That was one of my dreams after winning a Tour stage, I was just missing a Giro also [to complete the Grand Tour set]. So that was always in my mind," reflected the UAE Team Emirates leader post-stage, having joined the elite list of riders to have won stages of the Tour de France, the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro d'Italia. "To have all three stage wins is not something many riders have and it’s a big thing in cycling so I'm super happy.”

Before the final climb, Pogacar suffered a scare when he was brought to the ground by a flat tyre. Nevertheless, he managed to get back to the front without concern and the attacking with around 4km to go, Pogacar was all alone out front with none of his rivals able to keep contact.

"I just wanted a stage win today and some gap, test the legs a little bit," he assesses of his performance. "The dream was to take the pink jersey. Now I can relax a little bit for the next few days with the team and stay safe in the sprints.”