Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates secures a solo triumph in the ninth edition of the Saitama Criterium in Japan, narrowly holding off Sepp Kuss, the Vuelta a España champion from Jumbo-Visma, in an extended two-up sprint.

Peter Sagan of Legends Team, concluding his road racing career this season, clinched the third position on the podium in the 59.5-kilometer, 17-lap city center exhibition event.

In the final kilometers, the criterium evolved into a three-way showdown among Kuss, Pogačar, and Sagan as the trio established a lead.

Sagan lost momentum, enabling Kuss to guide Pogačar under the flamme rouge, setting the stage for an extended two-up duel as they approached the finish line.

Navigating through a brief tunnel, Pogačar assumed the lead, creating an opportunity for Kuss to initiate a surprise attack, only to have the Slovenian swiftly thwart it.

At this juncture, Sagan was making strides to close the gap, prompting Pogačar to embark on a prolonged sprint for the finish line. Despite varying his pace significantly, Pogačar secured the victory, crossing the line several bike lengths ahead of Kuss.

Sagan maintained his hold on the third position, even as a disintegrating main pack, led by Mark Cavendish of Astana Qazaqstan, closed in on the Slovak star.

The high-profile field of 51 riders for the Saitama criterium, held in a city approximately 30 kilometers outside the Japanese capital Tokyo, featured renowned cyclists such as Tour de France champions Chris Froome (Israel-Premier Tech) and Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers), alongside the 2023 Tour de France King of the Mountains, Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek).

Pogačar takes over the title of reigning Saitama Champion from Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), securing yet another victory in the 2023 season.

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