Pfff... This was the most impressive solo in a WCRR since Hinault in 1980. Pogacar is rewriting the laws of modern cycling. Attacking more than 100 km before the finish seemed insane, but there's one guy who can do this. In the final lap he looked a little tired, but he probably saved a bit of energy on the climbs to go full again on the final flat and descending sections. At the end of the Tour he announced that this was his next big goal, so the opposition was warned. When Pogacar sets a goal, he usually makes it come true.
Ben O'Connor is an entirely different type: not the big natural phenomenon, but a stubborn fighter. Who would have thought he could finish high in three major races in one year?
MvdP says goodbye to his rainbow jersey honorably, by sprinting to bronze on a course that wasn't designed for him. Evenepoel was good too, but looked exhausted towards the end.
We're watching an incredible generation, but it's nice to see some of the old geezers still going strong as well: Bauke Mollema and Romain Bardet in his final world championship. Respect!
In spite of the lack of suspense for gold I have enjoyed this. We've seen some amazing performances, so this was a race to treasure.