Pogacar’s heartfelt farewell to "big brother and mentor" Majka: "He helped me to become what I've become"

After the winter of 2020, Majka made the move to UAE Team Emirates. Once a team leader himself, he fully embraced his domestique role — and how. He helped Pogacar win the Tour de France, as well as the overall title in the Giro d’Italia. Majka was also one of the key figures behind each of the Slovenian’s victories in the Tour of Lombardy. Today, the Pole lines up for his 14th Il Lombardia.

Majka’s absence will be deeply felt, especially by Pogacar. “It’s the last day with Rafa,” he said with emotion in an interview with Cycling Pro and others. “It’s been such an honor to ride with him. He was my big brother, my mentor over these last few years. We’ve been through so much together. He helped me to become what I've become. I’ll miss him so much after today.”

On the eve of his final pro race, Majka was full of praise for the Slovenian. He had a front-row seat watching Pogacar win just about everything there was to win. “He can attack anywhere, win anywhere, and I’ve never seen that in my life. I’ve worked for Peter Sagan and Alberto Contador, but this guy is a machine. A killer.”

Pogacar could win Il Lombardia for the fifth time - a record - and is, unsurprisingly, the top favorite. “Obviously my form is there,” said the defending champion. “The race suits me very well, as we saw the last four times. Every race I start, I am one of the favorites. Of course there are other favorites today, and it’s a long race with so many climbs. A lot of things can happen. You never know.”

With Isaac Del Toro, UAE Team Emirates–XRG has a second major favorite in its ranks, as shown by his six victories in September and October. Pogacar notes that the team now has multiple ways to win, whether through another long solo or a small sprint. “It doesn’t matter. We come here for the victory, and we’ll fight for the victory. No matter in what way.”