Tadej PogaÄar (UAE-Team Emirates) defended his overnight lead during Saturday’s final day of the Amgen Tour of California, a lumpy 126km stage from Santa Clarita to Pasadena.
“This race was my main goal this year I knew I was well prepared,” PogaÄar said. “I’m really happy and looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Pogacar took his first WorldTour stage race victory despite plenty of pressure on the final day from George Bennett (Jumbo-Visma) and and Kasper Asgreen (Deceunick-Quick Step). An 11-man breakaway formed on the opening climb of the day containing Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe), Lawson Craddock (EF Education First), Remi Cavagna (Deceuninck-Quick Step), and Neilson Powless (Jumbo-Visma).
Bennett attacked near the summit of the the Angeles Forest Highway summit. A frantic chase during the descent then tried to catch him. Then Asgreen attacked to join forces with teammate Cavagna, and the two Deceuninck riders survived to join the final group of five containing Schachmann, Davide Ballerini (Astana) and Lennard Hofstede (Jumbo-Visma)
The five-rider group held an advantage until the race hit the final flat circuit around the Rose Bowl where they were swept up by the chase, which was led by UAE Team Emirates.
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