Pogačar Dominates Strade Bianche, Team Manager Declares He’s ‘Stronger Than Ever’
SIENA, Italy – Tadej Pogačar cemented his status as a cycling phenomenon Saturday, securing a record-breaking fourth victory at Strade Bianche. The Slovenian world champion completed a remarkable 78km solo effort, finishing the Italian one-day classic in a time that set a new race record. UAE Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti, who signed Pogačar as a teenager, believes the 25-year-old is continuing to improve, a daunting prospect for his rivals.
Pogačar’s triumph on the white gravel roads of Tuscany wasn’t simply a win; it was a demonstration of dominance. He attacked on the Monte Sante Marie sector, a move reminiscent of his 2024 victory, and quickly distanced the field. A brief challenge from last year’s runner-up, Tom Pidcock, was thwarted by a mechanical issue – a chain drop – while young French rider Paul Seixas attempted to bridge the gap, shadowed by Pogačar’s teammate Isaac del Toro. Pogačar then surged again, leaving Seixas behind and riding the remaining distance alone.
A Fourth Title, A New Record
The victory marks Pogačar’s fourth Strade Bianche title, surpassing Fabian Cancellara’s previous record of three wins. He is now the only rider in the race’s two-decade history to achieve this feat, and has won the event three years consecutively. His average speed of 42.7kph further underscored the magnitude of his performance. For context, Strade Bianche is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable conditions, making Pogačar’s solo ride all the more impressive.
The finish in Siena’s Piazza del Campo saw Pogačar celebrate with characteristic flair, climbing off his bike, pumping his fist, and bowing to the enthusiastic crowd. The scene encapsulated a performance that felt, as some observers noted, surprisingly comfortable for a race of such difficulty. But Gianetti cautioned against underestimating the effort involved, stating, “Even Tadej has still got to go and win, even if he makes it look easy sometimes.”
Gianetti: Pogačar Continues to Evolve
The most striking comment came from Gianetti, who has overseen Pogačar’s development from a promising junior to a cycling superstar. “Tadej is stronger than ever, he’s still improving,” Gianetti told Cyclingnews. “Every rider improves year on year, they have to, otherwise they eventually fall behind. Fortunately, Tadej keeps on surprising us.” This assessment is particularly concerning for Pogačar’s competitors, who are already grappling with his exceptional talent.
Gianetti’s observations are backed up by data. He confirmed that the team’s analysis of Pogačar’s training data indicated he was in strong form heading into the race. However, as he pointed out, training data can only tell part of the story. The race itself presents a unique set of challenges, and Pogačar’s ability to consistently overcome those challenges is what sets him apart.
Seixas and del Toro Round Out the Podium
While Pogačar dominated the race, the battle for second place was also compelling. Paul Seixas ultimately edged out Isaac del Toro on the Via Santa Caterina climb into the piazza, securing a commendable second-place finish in his Strade Bianche debut. Del Toro’s performance, however, highlighted the strength of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad, demonstrating their ability to control the race and support Pogačar’s ambitions.
Gianetti also took the time to praise Seixas’s aggressive ride, acknowledging his attempt to stay with Pogačar on the challenging gravel sections. This gesture underscores Gianetti’s reputation for sportsmanship and his willingness to recognize the efforts of all riders in the peloton.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
Pogačar’s dominant performance at Strade Bianche sets the stage for a potentially remarkable 2026 season. His next scheduled race is the Tirreno-Adriatico stage race, beginning March 11th. This will provide another opportunity to assess his form and fine-tune his preparations for the major Grand Tours later in the year. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see if Pogačar can maintain his current level of performance and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional cycling.
The cycling world is now left to ponder: how much stronger can Tadej Pogačar become?
