Pogačar: The King Who Became Emperor
There was no need for further demonstrations of strength to confirm the greatness of Tadej Pogačar, the world number one in cycling. However, this 107th edition of the Giro d'Italia has revealed a new side of the modern Cannibal: the champion capable of thrilling crowds and making young children fall in love with this wonderful sport.
Six stage victories, five in the pink jersey, a feat only Merckx had achieved before. In between, there were many moments of pure emotion: the arrival at Oropa, where the legend of Marco Pantani was consecrated 25 years ago, the solo ride through the snow of Livigno, the hunger for victory shown at the finish in Santa Cristina Val Gardena with that iconic five-count celebration at the finish line. And then, the water bottle handed to a child on the climb of Monte Grappa and the pink jersey spontaneously given to the young Giulio Pelizzari. During this three-week journey, Italy rediscovered its love for the young Slovenian who turned back the clock to the days of great feats, far from data and strategies, driven by heart and effort. From Friuli to Campania, Pogačar showed everyone what it means to be the strongest.
And so, what better place than Rome, the Eternal City under the shadow of the Colosseum, to make official what is now clear to everyone: no longer a king, call him EMPEROR.
