Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) won the second stage of the Tour of Slovenia between Žalec and Celje on Thursday.
Pogacar attacked near the summit of Svetina climb, and no one was able to follow the Slovenian who consolidated his advantage on the final 2 km ascent towards the finish line.
He crossed the line after a 22-kilometre solo ride to take his seventh win of 2021 by 1min22s.
“This stage was already two years ago and it was even harder than today,” Pogacar said after the stage. “I felt super good so I tried to go full gas on the climb. I got a gap and then after the descent full gas to the finish and I made it.
“I really like this stage. It’s a classic one for the race. I tried today and it was a success. I didn’t think it would be such a good advantage in the end. I’m really happy to take this win.”
On Friday, riders will hit a diverse third stage from Brežice to Krško with three categorised climbs.
