Pogacar takes green jersey in Tour of Slovenia with stage 2 victory

Tadej Pogacar won stage 2 of the Tour of Slovenia on Friday (AEST) to take the overall race lead.

Tadej Pogacar Source: Tour of Slovenia

Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates dominated the stage from Zalec to Celje, and he broke away on the final second-category climb.

The 22-year-old Slovenian crossed the line to win by 1:22 after a 22-kilometre solo ride.

Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) came second while Pogacar's teammate Diego Ulissi rounded out the podium in a sprint finish for the chasing group.

"This stage was already hard two years ago and it was even harder today," Pogacar said in the aftermath.

"I felt super good so I tried to go full gas on the climb.

"I got a gap and then after the descent; full gas to the finish and I made it.

"I really like this stage. It's a classic one for the race. I tried today and it was a success.

"I didn't think it would be such a good advantage in the end. I'm really happy to take this win."