One in a million scenario: The 2026 UMAG Classic has TWO WINNERS after a close bunch sprint!

An old saying goes that "at the end of the day, only one can win in a race". And most of the time, that's indeed true... but not at the 2026 UMAG Classic! A traditional season opener for many central-European continental teams and WorldTour development teams alike, the Croatian 1.2 race had seen sprinter superstars such as Olav Kooij and Matthew Brennan take their first elite-category victories on its roads. And in 2026, not one but two names were added on the race's roll of honor!

The 142-kilometer race is traditionally known to be very nervous and often marked by many crashes. Fortunately, the 2026 edition smoothly reached a bunch finish with only individual incidents.

In the event of a sprinter showdown, the pre-race favourites were Solution Tech-NIPPO-Rali's Dusan Rajovic, Davide Persico and Marceli Boguslawski (winner of 7 sprints in 2025).

However at the end of the three-hour race, it was ultimately a 19-year-old Czech sprinter Adam Bradáč (Factor Racing) whose dominance allowed for a celebration already before the finish line... At least that's what he probably thought at that moment.

The biggest race favourite Dusan Rajovic was not going to give up just yet and in a last-ditch effort, he threw his bike across the finish line next to the celebrating Bradáč. A moment of silence. Who won? Did Bradáč throw away his first elite-category victory and did an 'Alaphilippe'?

The jury has taken its sweet time to decipher this mystery and when the final decision came, it was a shock for everyone... The race has two winners!

After a thorough examination of the photo finish, the jury could not find a clear difference between the front wheels of Bradáč and Rajovic, declaring a draw. Thus, both riders got to share the race trophy and a title of "winner". Ex-pro Erik Fetter (United Shipping) completed the podium.

A heart-warming finish to the race, but the die-hard cycling fans can be saddened that we haven't seen UCI's 'Dead Heat' rule in practice. (In case of a draw for 1st place, riders would be to race one-on-one in a 1-kilometer duel for the victory).