Imagine this: you're a professional cyclist, grinding through one of the toughest races in the world, and suddenly, you find yourself on the podium alongside legends. That's exactly what happened to Michael Storer at Il Lombardia, and it’s a moment he’ll never forget. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating—this wasn’t just any podium; it was his first-ever Monument podium, a milestone that caught even him by surprise.
Storer, racing for Tudor Pro Cycling under the guidance of retired pro Fabian Cancellara, secured a remarkable third-place finish behind cycling giants Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep). For Storer, this achievement wasn’t just a highlight—it was the highlight of his season, a testament to his grit and determination.
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy and endurance. On the lower slopes of the decisive final climb, the Passo di Ganda, a select group emerged, including Storer, Pogačar, Evenepoel, and a few others like Jay Vine, Isaac del Toro, and Paul Seixas (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale). And this is the part most people miss—it was here that Pogačar unleashed a blistering attack with 36km to go, leaving his rivals scrambling to respond.
While Evenepoel, Seixas, and Storer tried to chase, Pogačar’s lead ballooned to nearly a minute. Evenepoel eventually broke away from the chase group, distancing Seixas and del Toro, but Storer clung on, fighting tooth and nail to stay in contention. By then, though, Pogačar was untouchable, leaving the others to battle for second place.
Storer admitted he struggled on the final ascent of the Colle Aperto, but his resilience paid off. Crossing the line in Bergamo 3:14 behind Pogačar, he earned his spot on the podium. But here’s the controversial part—was this a breakthrough moment for Storer, or just a glimpse of what he’s truly capable of? Could he challenge for even bigger victories in the future?
This race wasn’t just about the result; it was about the journey, the unexpected twists, and the sheer will to keep pushing. Storer’s performance raises a thought-provoking question: How many more surprises does he have in store for the cycling world? Let’s discuss—do you think this is just the beginning for Michael Storer, or was Il Lombardia his peak moment? Share your thoughts below!
