Peter Sagan reflects on 'unbelievable' Worlds win as he dedicates victory to Michele Scarponi
Slovak becomes the first male rider to win three consecutive World road races


Peter Sagan struggled to comprehend his achievement after winning a third consecutive World Championship road race title, dedicating his victory to the late Michele Scarponi.
The Slovakian became the first male rider to win three World titles in a row and matched the record of three victories held by four other cyclists. He narrowly edged out Norwegian Alexander Kristoff (Katusha-Alpecin) who was racing on home soil.
"In the end, it came to a sprint and it was unbelievable," Sagan said.
"Kristoff is racing at home, and I'm sorry for that, but I'm happy to win again. It's unbelievable for me. It's something special for sure. It doesn't change anything, but for me it's something very nice."
>>> Three in a row: Peter Sagan wins World Championships road race to take his third rainbow jersey
The third title came after 267.5km around Bergen, Norway. On Salmon Hill, several riders including Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe and Italian Gianni Moscon tried to break up the race.
"It is not easy. In the last kilometres, I said, 'Guys, it's already gone, it's done.' Guys were chasing in the front. In the end it came together for the sprint," Sagan continued.
"You saw in the climb, we were already in two-three pieces. The guys from the back catch us, and after, we came into the finish. It just all happened in seconds. You cannot predict this.
>>> Five talking points from the World Championships elite men's road race
"Maybe if someone stronger in the front, and they could have [won]. I have to say thank you to my team-mates and some friends in the group."
In April, a truck driver struck and killed Astana rider Michele Scarponi while he trained on home roads in Italy to prepare for the Giro d'Italia.
"I want to dedicate this victory or this third World Championship title to Michele Scarponi, who should have had a birthday tomorrow," Sagan said. "And to my wife, and we are expecting a baby. It's a nice finish to the season, and I am very happy."
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
-
Five talking points from stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia
Our highlights from a stage where the GC contenders rolled in eight minutes behind the day's winner
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2022 standings: Results from the 105th edition after stage 15
The latest standings from the 105th edition of the Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Peter Sagan unlikely to ride Paris-Roubaix after illness
Former winner also missed Tour of Flanders after health problems
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Peter Sagan to skip Tour of Flanders after Classics struggles
Former Ronde winner to undergo tests before Amstel Gold Race and Paris-Roubaix
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Stirling to host time trials at the 2023 World Championships
Central Scottish city to host time trial events at first multi-event worlds
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Peter Sagan concerned with peloton's negative attitude: 'The younger generation lacks that respect'
The three-time world champion claims riders "just piss in the middle of the pack" as an example of this lack of respect
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Peter Sagan misses out on Strade Bianche after organisers don't select Team TotalEnergies
Strade Bianche organisers RCS didn't select Sagan's new team, Team TotalEnergies, to race the Italian Classic
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Road World Championships 2022 route announced: Australia races to suit puncheurs
The local loop takes in a brutally steep climb every lap to whittle down the field
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
'We want to be in tune with Peter Sagan to achieve great things together': Says TotalEnergies sports director on balancing Sagan and team identity
The French team are keen to keep their own characteristics while also allowing the Slovakian to do his thing
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Peter Sagan says 'part of the beauty of cycling has been lost' following Covid-19 restrictions
The three-time world champion prepares to begin a new season with a new team
By Richard Windsor • Published