"What can you say... Just insane" - Battling Ben Healy misses out on podium in World Championships but full of praise for Tadej Pogacar

Ben Healy put in a typically brave and battling display in the men's elite road race at the 2024 World Championships in Zurich. Sadly for the Irishman though, he couldn't quite reward his efforts with a spot on the final podium.

"It was bloody hard to be honest," admits the EF Education - EasyPost rider honestly in his post-race interview afterwards. After the eventual race victor Tadej Pogacar attacked clear with 100km to go, heading into the finale, it was Healy and Latvia's Toms Skujins who were leading the chase behind and actually making inroads into Pogacar's advantage at one point.

"Luckily I was with Toms Skujins, who was really strong today. I did what I had to do, but I guess I didn't have the legs today. Thanks Toms!" Healy laughed. "I did what I could, but Skujins had better legs. I hoped that I could contribute a bit more myself, then we might have stayed away. I tried to play my cards in the final, but oh well... It wasn't meant to be, unfortunately."

In the end, Healy had to settle for a 7th placed finish at the line, 58 seconds behind Pogacar, whom Healy was understandably full of praise for in his comments. "I'm very happy with that. I put everything on the line, and I almost succeeded. That's all you can ask for," the 24-year-old concludes. "What can you say... Just really insane. I don't think anyone expected him to attack with a hundred kilometres to go."