"There were four or five Belgians and I was alone… It was better to be on the attack" – Tadej Pogacar overcomes isolation to take astonishing solo win at 2025 Euros

A Belgian masterplan looked like being played out to perfection on Sunday afternoon at the 2025 European Championships. They tried to do what so many have suggested for years: isolate Tadej Pogacar early, make him burn matches without team support, and then overwhelm him with numbers.

For a moment, it looked like it might actually work. On the third climb of the Côte de Saint-Romain-de-Lerps — the point many expected would shape the race — Slovenia’s superstar spearhead found himself completely alone, surrounded by a wave of Belgian jerseys: Evenepoel, Vervaeke, Cras, Benoot. Four or five teammates. No support. No protection.

But then, Pogacar did what Pogacar does best. He attacked. “We knew the third climb would be the hardest,” he said post-race. “I saw there were four or five Belgians and I was alone for the team. It was better to be on the attack than with too many guys who can attack you.”

And just like that — with 75 kilometres still to race — the newly crowned World Champion was gone and on his way to a first ever European title.

The move came at a crucial moment: just as the front groups had consolidated, and just as Belgian tactics seemed poised to dictate the finale. But the one rider who could have possibly matched Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, faltered – if only briefly – and in that moment, the race was effectively decided.

“I find myself in the front,” Pogacar said. “I tried to keep a good gap of around one minute. I know that’s a comfortable gap, but I couldn’t give up until the finish line and had to push really hard. I don’t think it was super dominant as Remco was really good and always chasing me. I’m happy it’s over… and another title.”

Indeed, for all the talk of dominance, this was a victory that cost Pogacar dearly. While his solo ride echoed the long-range brilliance he displayed at the World Championships in Kigali earlier this summer, this effort bore signs of strain. Evenepoel never let the gap grow much beyond a minute, and Pogacar was visibly deep in the red as he battled the climbs and headwinds alone.

Going into the race, much of the pre-race strategy discussion — particularly among pundits and experts — revolved around one concept, the same concept often posed as the way to stop the all-conquering Slovenian: don’t let Pogacar bring teammates with him. With no other marquee Slovenians in top shape and Matej Mohoric dropping away relatively early, the opportunity to isolate him seemed ripe. Belgium, stacked with depth and ambition, appeared to be executing the blueprint perfectly.

And yet, it wasn’t enough. Pogacar’s acceleration was so sharp — and his commitment so total — that not even Belgium’s numerical superiority could bring him back. Evenepoel battled hard, but found himself without sufficient support in the crucial moments of the chase. France and Italy, as Juan Ayuso later noted, were hesitant to work, leaving the Belgian alone in his pursuit.

They isolated him. They outnumbered him. They chased him hard. He still won. Now the question is, if even this tactic doesn't work, how do you stop Tadej Pogacar?