Cycling: In cycling, the five monuments are the most important races of the year, along with the three major national tours. We look back at the achievements of Matej Mohoric, Mathieu van der Poel, Dylan van Baarle, Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar.
Milan – Sanremo: Mohoric manages the solo
Everyone in the field - and probably almost everyone in front of the TV - knew that Matej Mohoric was an excellent downhill skier. Nevertheless, the competition could not prevent the Slovenian from doing what he had to do. He attacked on the Poggio descent and couldn't be caught. Two seconds behind him it was only a matter of second place. Frenchman Anthony Turgis sprinted onto the podium ahead of Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel. The entire group was annoyed that Mohoric could no longer be caught. But the disagreement after departure caused the decisive delay. This is Mohoric's first career win of a monument. Best German: Simon Geschke in 32nd place.
Tour of Flanders: Pogacar impresses, Van der Poel wins
With 56 kilometers to go, the fans were amazed: Up the Oude Kwaremont none other than the two-time Tour winner Tadej Pogacar attacked. With a view to the cobblestone stage of the Tour de France, the Slovenian wanted to prepare here for the Tour of Flanders. He ensured a selection that led to a preliminary decision after the Paterberg. Dylan van Baarle and Fred Wright broke up. In the Taaienberg, Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel and Valentin Madouas caught up with the top duo. Another attack by Tadej Pogacar made the supposed decision. Only Mathieu van der Poel could follow. Together they increased their lead, but on the last kilometer the tour winner refused to take the lead so that the pursuers, Madouas and Van Baarle, were able to catch up again. However, Van der Poel did not let the victory be taken away from him. In the sprint he relegated compatriot Van Baarle to second place. Despite an impressive performance, Pogacar only finished fourth. Fifth place goes to the strong Swiss Stefan Küng. Best German: John Degenkolb in 18th place.
Paris – Roubaix: Van Baarle crowned king of pavé
Two weeks after his second place at the Tour of Flanders, Dylan van Baarle celebrates the greatest success of his career at Paris – Roubaix. The Dutchman clinched a commanding victory, losing everyone on his rear wheel in the Camphin-en-Pévèle sector with 19 kilometers to go. Almost effortlessly he increased his lead. In the end he won with 1:47 minutes ahead of Belgian Wout van Aert and Swiss Stefan Küng. Although the pursuers sometimes worked well together, the balance of power was clear. Best German: John Degenkolb in 18th place.
Liège – Bastogne – Liège: Nobody stops Evenepoel
He got serious about 30 kilometers from the finish: Remco Evenepoel attacked at Liège – Bastogne – Liège. Only Neilson Powless was able to follow him at first. But when the Belgian started the next increase in pace, it was also the case for the American. Evenepoel drove safely towards his sovereign victory. The competition had no chance. Although they all knew how dangerous Evenepoel is, even together they could not thwart his attack. Thus, the 22-year-old celebrates his victory at Liège - Bastogne - Liège right at his first start. Behind him, Quinten Hermans and Wout van Aert, who finished 48 seconds later in the chasing group, ensured a Belgian podium. Marc Hirschi finished ninth as the best Swiss. Best German: Simon Geschke in 35th place.
Lombardy Tour: Title defense for Pogacar
For Vincenzo Nibali and Alejandro Valverde, the 2022 Tour of Lombardy was something very special. Both the Italian and the Spaniard ended their active careers on the road after this season. Unfortunately, both of them were not able to compete for the day's victory in their last big performance. Enric Mas from Spain and Tadej Pogacar from Slovenia decided this among themselves. The preliminary decision was made on the ascent to Civiglio. Team-mate Davide Formolo picked up the pace for captain Pogacar so much that only Mas and Mikel Landa could follow. After another attack by last year's winner, it happened to Landa as well. In the sprint for victory, Enric Mas ultimately had no chance, allowing Tadej Pogacar to win the Tour of Lombardy for the second time in a row. Best German: Marco Brenner in 38th place.