Peter Sagan Wins Third Consecutive World Championship

Slovakia's Peter Sagan pipped Norway's Alexander Kristoff in a photo-finish to win a historic third straight world title in Bergen on Sunday. Sagan emerged out of the final corner in the perfect position on Kristoff's shoulder, and just had enough to edge past the home favorite as Australia's Michael Matthews took third.

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After his win, Sagan dedicated his victory to Italian Michele Scarponi, who died in April following a crash with a van near his home in Italy—he would have turned 38 on Monday. "I want to dedicate this third world title first to Michele Scarponi because he has his birthday tomorrow. I'm very sorry this year, I want to wish luck to his family."

Sagan went on to dedicate his victory to his wife, who is expecting a baby, saying "it's a very nice finish to this season, I'm very happy."

The decorated Slovakian rider had revealed on Saturday that his preparation for the race had been disrupted by "sickness" and that he wasn't at his best. He had hardly been seen throughout the 267.5km race but was part of the small group that made it to the final kilometer to contest the sprint finish.

Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe attacked on the final ascent of Salmon Hill, the most significant climb on the 19km street circuit, which the peloton tackled 12 times. Only Italian Gianni Moscon could follow him but was then dropped with 4.5km left. Alaphilippe couldn't hold on, though, and coming into the final few bends a select group passed him to fight for victory. Only then did Sagan make his move, and Norwegian Kristoff didn't have the strength to hold him off.

In winning, Sagan joins the rare company of three-time world champions (including Belgian legend Eddy Merckx), and he is the first rider to do so in successive years. "It's something special, for sure it doesn't change anything, but for me it's something very nice," he said.

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