Bagioli faster than Pogacar over final 25 kilometres of Suisse opener on emotional ride to third

Over the final 25.3 kilometres, Bagioli covered the course more than a minute faster than Pogačar according to data shared by Velon. After attacking alone from the third group on the road, he completed that section in 37 minutes and 57 seconds, compared with 39 minutes and five seconds for the Slovenian.

The comparison does require some context. Pogačar had already built a substantial advantage after launching his decisive move with more than 70 kilometres remaining and no longer needed to push at full intensity during the finale. Bagioli, meanwhile, was still riding flat out in pursuit of a podium place.

Bagioli averaged 40.0 kilometres per hour during the chase, producing an average power of 350 watts and a normalised power of 370 watts. Pogačar, who had already launched his decisive move with more than 70 kilometres remaining, averaged 39.0 kilometres per hour and 350 watts over the same final section.

It was not enough to bring the race leader back, but it underlined the strength of Bagioli’s late effort as he rode to an emotional podium finish in front of friends and family.

“I’m super proud,” Bagioli said after the stage to CyclingPro.net. “It’s incredible to be here in front of my friends and my family, at home. I know these roads really well. I always stay nearby in the summer, so I wanted to do a good stage and I think I did quite well.”

Pogačar had made his intentions clear on the climb, where his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates increased the tempo before the Slovenian accelerated away.

“The pace was really, really high, so I said that Tadej would go soon, and he did,” Bagioli explained. “After the sprint, he just continued. We tried to follow, but the pace was too high. For me, it was impossible, so we had to ride another race for second and third place.”

With Pogačar already out of reach, Bagioli used his local knowledge to make his move on the descent. His acceleration allowed him to leave his group behind and begin a solo pursuit of Richard Carapaz, who was riding in second place.

“I knew the downhill where I attacked pretty well, so I just gave it a try, and it worked,” he said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t catch Richard on the final climb, but I can be proud.”

Third place also moved Bagioli into a strong position in the general classification, giving him an unexpected opportunity to test himself as a stage race contender.

“Now that I’m third, for sure I will give it a try,” he said. “It’s the first time that I’m riding for the general classification in a stage race. We’ll see in the time trial because it’s not my speciality and it’s quite long. But first we think about tomorrow, and then we take it day by day.”