UAE Team Emirates Triumph As Pogačar Crowned Youngest Ever Winner At Tour Of California

Twenty year old Tadej Pogačar has added his name to the roll of honour at the Tour of California, becoming the youngest ever winner in the races history.

The young gun from UAE Team Emirates celebrated his success in the World Tour race after having successfully defended the lead on the 141km final stage from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, having become leader of the race 24 hours before after his win on Mt.Baldy.
In the final general classification standings, Pogačar led by 16″ on Sergio Higuita (EF Education First) and 17″ on Kasper Asgreen (Deceuninck-Quick-Step).

This is the first year competing in the World Tour for Pogačar, who already this season boasts a stage and the general classification at the Volta ao Algarve. The Slovenian can now add a stage win and his success in the overall standing in California .

Pogačar : “Today was amazing, and it has been all week: I’d particularly like to thank all the teammates and the staff. My team worked very hard every day and this yellow jersey is not just for me but for the whole of UAE Team Emirates.
The Mt. Baldy stage was the key moment for me at this Tour of California, but this victory took the whole week to build up to. It’s the most beautiful victory of my career, and now I’m just going to focus on building and progressing as a rider. “

The victory of the final stage went to Cees Bol (Team Sunweb) in a reduced bunch sprint with Jasper Philipsen finishing his week strongly in third.

Rui Oliveira crashed hard in the last 300 meters, suffering bruises and some minor abrasions.

Stage 7 results:
1 Cees Bol (Ned) Team Sunweb 2h53’16”
2 Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-hansgrohe s.t.
3 Jasper Philipsen (Bel) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

Final general classification:
1 Tadej Pogačar (Slo) 32h55’12”
2 Sergio Higuita (Col) UAE Team Emirates 16″
3 Jasper Agreen (Den) Deceuninck-Quick Step 17″