Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) has taken a solo victory in the ninth edition of the Saitama Criterium in Japan, narrowly fending off Vuelta a España champion Sepp Kuss (Jumbo-Visma) in a drawn-out two-up sprint.
Peter Sagan (Legends Team), who retires from road racing this season, claimed the final podium spot in the 59.5-kilometre, 17-lap, city centre exhibition event.
The criterium came down to a three-way battle between Kuss, Pogačar and Sagan after the trio built up a lead in the closing kilometres.
Sagan faded, thus allowing Kuss to lead Pogačar under the flamme rouge, prior to a drawn-out two-up duel as the finish line approached.
As the two passed through a short tunnel, Pogačar eased into the forward position, providing a chance for Kuss to try to launch a surprise attack, which the Slovenian promptly crushed.
By this point, Sagan was threatening to regain contact, and Pogačar then made a drawn-out dash for the line, significantly varying his pace but ultimately allowing him to claim the victory several bike lengths ahead of Kuss.
Third in the Singapore Criterium last week, Pogačar succeeds Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) as reigning Saitama Champion, simultaneously claiming his umpteenth triumph of the 2023 season in the process.
