Oded Kogut storms to victory in Cro Race
# Oded Kogut Triumphs Again in Cro Race Finale
Oded Kogut delivered a thrilling performance on the final stage of the Cro Race, clinching victory in Zagreb and showcasing an impeccable team effort.
“This feels amazing! To be able to win here once again is just incredible,” Kogut expressed joyfully during the podium celebration. He added, “I’m really grateful for my team. They supported me perfectly all day.”
Despite the challenges faced from heavy rain and a persistent breakaway, the Israel Premier Tech (IPT) team proved their commitment to setting up Kogut for the finish. This victory not only marked Kogut’s second consecutive win in Zagreb but also celebrated the team’s remarkable 150th overall win.
The 24-year-old Israeli sprinter entered the race aiming for triumph after securing third place in two earlier sprints. As the breakaway was ultimately caught, Kogut skillfully navigated through the technical finish. When it came time to sprint, his speed left competitors unable to keep pace.
“I wasn’t really stressed about us catching the breakaway,” he remarked. “My teammates did an amazing job, and I always trusted them that I would sprint for the win in the end. It was really a textbook performance by the whole team today. In the final part, it was all about fighting to get the best possible position for the sprint. I knew I had the legs to do it today. The rain made it really sketchy, but I managed it well and I’m just so happy to pull this off after such a strong team performance.”
This victory mirrors Kogut’s achievement last year at the same event, representing a significant milestone for IPT as win number 175 total and number 22 for the current season. Sports director Dror Pekatch credited exceptional teamwork for the success.
“The whole team committed fully on the final laps, and we almost closed the entire gap by ourselves. In the final part, Oded took the right wheel, and he finished it off with a strong sprint to take a great victory for himself and for the team.”
In the overall standings, Pier-André Côté emerged as the best IPT rider, finishing in 15th place.
