Tadej Pogaczar set the world championships alight with an aggressive attack, just as he did when he won the Tour de France, but a week after his winning weekend in France, this time he ran in force for Slovenia, not to beat Primoš Roglic in Imola, but to help The team was.

Počagar attacked at the 42km mark. He rode alone as no one joined him on the Cima Galistina climb. He either had an incredible solo victory in the time trial or he could have ordered the strong field to chase him and help Roglic.

When the bell rang for the final lap of 218 km, Pogachar had little chance of another surprise victory, despite being 25 seconds ahead.

After Pogachar was caught on the final lap climb, Roglic took over the leadership of the Slovenian team and had the strength to join the chase group that formed behind Alaphilippe after the final climb. He could do little to help the Frenchman in the chase and finished sixth in the sprint for the few medals won by Wout Van Aert. Pogachar's solo run, however, was the most aggressive attack of the race.

Pogachar was separated on the final climb and paid the price for his solo effort as others and Alaphilippe attacked. Pogachar finished in 33rd place, 5:15 behind, but his solo effort stood out as the most aggressive attack of the race.

"My job was to make a selection," Pogachar told Cycling News after the race.

"During the race, I talked with Roglic to see who was in the best shape. When we attacked, we tried to do the best we could. I am proud of our race

"I was hoping the race would be hard, but nobody reacted to my attack. The Belgian team didn't seem to care, so I opened the gas pedal all the way. I was all alone, so I tried to open up more of a gap and go as far as I could go."

Roglic did not stop immediately after finishing sixth and gave an interview to a Slovenian television station. Slovenia was until recently considered a minor cycling nation, but Pogachar and Roglic showed that they can compete not only in Grand Tours but also in one-day races.

"We are not one-day specialists, but we have raced and achieved good results. I am proud to be part of this race and happy with the result," said Roglic.

"I am very happy with the tactics, the guys, the way they raced and fought. Everyone did their best. Julien deserved the win and I am proud of the way we raced."

"I am very proud of the way we raced.

Some Belgian cycling fans accused Roglic of not working hard enough in the chase group to pull Alaphilippe back, and even Tom van Dam, president of the Belgian federation, sarcastically stated that Alaphilippe "owes Roglic two beers for his great work in the chase group. ...

Van Aanholt, the president of the Belgian federation, was even sarcastic.

Van Aert was more sportsmanlike in defeat, suggesting that Roglic had done what he could and that Alaphilippe was simply too strong. Logrich was unable to repay Van Aert for the Tour de France because he was unable to repay Van Aert.

"We are teammates and I wanted Wout to be champion more than Alaphilippe. I couldn't even sprint anymore," Roglic told Beglia TV channel VTM.

"The other four riders were all stronger than me. I had to close the gap after every corner. I gave it my all."