Tadej Pogacar was so dominant on Sunday, Canada's Michael Woods called it a race for second. Pogacar, a three-time Tour de France champion from Slovenia, pedalled to a resounding victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal.
The UAE Team Emirates leader crossed the finish line 24 seconds ahead of Spain's Pello Bilbao of Bahrain-Victorious to win the demanding 209.1-kilometre race on a sunny, 28 C day in Montreal.
France's Julian Alaphilippe of Soudal Quick-Step was third. "He's the greatest rider of all time, he's a formidable opponent," said Woods, who finished 45 seconds behind the leader in eighth. "If you're not at your very, very best, then you can forget racing with him, and today was kind of representative of that. "He's at such a different level that if you follow him, it can be lights out." Pogacar slowed down before the last turn to celebrate with the crowd, high-five fans on Avenue du Parc and cruise past the finish line with his arms in the air after more than five hours on the bike.
The 25-year-old joined Belgium's Greg Van Avermaet as the only multi-time winners in Montreal after claiming the race in 2022.