Sometimes, the most unexpected moments become the most memorable—and for Michael Storer, that was precisely the case at Il Lombardia. Instead of a routine result, he found himself on the podium of one of cycling’s most prestigious monuments for the very first time, finishing in third place behind the giants Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel. This achievement was not just a career highlight; it was a testament to perseverance and strategic racing.
Riding for Tudor Pro Cycling, a team owned and managed by the legendary retired pro Fabian Cancellara, Storer described this accomplishment as the most unforgettable part of his entire season. His journey to this podium was a dramatic tale of tactical positioning and resilience.
The decisive moments unfolded on the challenging final ascent, the Passo di Ganda. A select group of riders had formed on the lower slopes, including Pogačar, Storer, and his teammates Jay Vine and Isaac del Toro, as well as Evenepoel and Paul Seixas from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Then, halfway up the climb, Pogačar launched a blistering attack—an aggressive move that marked the turning point of the race. He quickly gained a significant gap, nearly a minute ahead, as Evenepoel, Seixas, and Storer struggled to respond. The three riders worked together in pursuit, with del Toro sitting on their wheels, trying to stay in contention.
Despite their efforts, Evenepoel managed to shake off his rivals, first distancing Seixas and then Del Toro, leaving Storer hanging on by a thread. Meanwhile, Pogačar’s lead continued to grow, reaching nearly a minute with just a few kilometers remaining. The chase for second place was intense, but the race was effectively decided at that point.
And here’s where it gets even more compelling: Storer admitted that he had a tough time over the final small ascent, Colle Aperto. Still, he remained proud of his effort, crossing the line in third, a little over three minutes behind Pogačar in Bergamo. That podium finish wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a statement that even in unexpected circumstances, perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
So, what’s your take? Is this the kind of breakthrough that could redefine Storer’s career trajectory? Or are moments like these a rare spark in an otherwise unpredictable sport? Share your thoughts—are you surprised by his performance, or did you see this coming?
