The Slovenian extends his stellar 2025 season by claiming his first european title with a powerful long-range move.
Tadej Pogacar once again proved his dominance in professional cycling by winning the 2025 European Road Championships in the French region of Drôme-Ardèche on October 5. Launching a decisive solo attack with 75km remaining, the Slovenian powerhouse left the strongest field behind and crossed the finish line 31 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel, with 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas securing bronze.
The World Champion becomes the European Champion! ✨🥇 #EuroRoad25
— @UAE-TeamEmirates (@TeamEmiratesUAE) October 5, 2025
It’s two titles in seven days for @TamauPogi, who wins the European Championships Road Race for the first time 🏆
Tadej went solo with 75km to go and did what he does best 🚀
🇸🇮 Čestitke, Tadej! #WeAreUAE pic.twitter.com/GXT8UumJkL
Pogacar’s victory completes an extraordinary trifecta in 2025, as he now holds the titles of Tour de France champion, World Road Race champion, and European Road Race champion simultaneously, an unprecedented achievement in modern cycling. In addition, he has won three of cycling’s five monument races this year, further cementing his status as the sport’s greatest talent.
The 203.1km course featured multiple circuits around Guilherand-Granges, including steep climbs like the Côte du Val d’Enfer, and challenged riders with 3,300 meters of total elevation gain. Early in the race, Vuelta a España champion Jonas Vingegaard was dropped, unable to keep pace with the leaders.
The race reached its critical moment when Pogacar launched his attack on the third ascent of Saint Romain de Lerps. Only Evenepoel initially followed, but the Belgian soon faded as Pogacar extended his lead. Despite Evenepoel’s determined chase—including a late attack—he could not close the gap.
Behind the leaders, Seixas made a remarkable effort on the final climbs to claim third place, signaling his rise as one of cycling’s brightest young talents. Off the bike, Pogacar downplayed his performance, describing it as far from dominant due to Evenepoel’s persistent pursuit. Still, with 18 victories in 2025 and 106 career wins, the 27-year-old continues to raise the bar.
Looking ahead, Pogacar will target more races including the Tre Valli Varesine in Italy and aims to secure a record fifth consecutive win at Il Lombardia. Next year’s European Championships will be held in Slovenia, where Pogacar will attempt to become the first-ever repeat champion in this event.