Pogacar returns to Conquer the White Roads of Strade Bianche
Tadej Pogacar, the undisputed superstar of global cycling, is shifting gears into “classic” mode, setting his sights on the famed gravel paths of the Strade Bianche this Saturday, March 8. This race serves as a crucial prelude to the Milan-Sanremo monument, a coveted prize that has thus far eluded the Ogre’s grasp.
Fresh off his dominant victory at the Tour of the United Arab Emirates in late February, where he secured his third title and conquered two demanding mountain stages, Pogacar, 26, is ready for the challenges ahead.
A Monumental Ambition
With Milan-Sanremo just two weeks away (March 22), Pogacar is laser-focused on claiming one of the two cycling monuments that remain absent from his impressive palmarès (the other being Paris-Roubaix). The Slovenian powerhouse, who amassed an astounding 25 victories in 2024, enters the 19th edition of the Strade Bianche as the undeniable favorite.
2022 Triumph: Pogacar previously conquered the Strade Bianche in 2022 with a remarkable solo attack.
2023 Domination: last year, he left his rivals reeling with an audacious attack a staggering 80 kilometers from the finish line at the Piazza del Campo in Siena.
Embracing the Spirit of the Race
“This is the first classic that I played once became a professional,” Pogacar told Gazzetta dello Sport, the event’s organizer through its parent company RCS Sport. “I always have a lot of fun (…). It’s pure pleasure, I find my child’s soul there.” His words reveal a deep connection to the race and a genuine enthusiasm for its unique challenges.
Powering Through the Strade Bianche: An Exclusive Debate with Cycling Maven, Emilia Rossi
Welcome, cycling aficionados, to another electrifying segment! Today, we delve deep into the heart of the cycling world, focusing on Tadej Pogačar’s highly anticipated return to the dusty, sun-baked roads of the Strade Bianche. Joining us is Emilia Rossi, a renowned cycling analyst and a true connoisseur of the sport. Emilia, welcome to the program!
Guest Introduction: Emilia Rossi has been a mainstay in cycling analysis for over a decade. her insightful commentary and deep understanding of racing tactics have earned her a loyal following. She’s followed Pogačar since his early pro days, documenting his rise from promising talent to cycling superstar. One of her career highlights includes successfully predicting the outcome of the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow after analyzing the course design and rider form.
Emilia Rossi: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to be discussing this year’s Strade Bianche.It’s a race close to my heart.
Moderator: Absolutely! And what a race it promises to be. Pogačar is returning,fresh off a dominant victory at the Tour of the United Arab Emirates. Emilia, how significant is this early-season form in the context of his broader ambitions?
Emilia Rossi: It’s incredibly significant. While the UAE Tour may not be a monument, it’s a signal. It’s a clear message to the competition: pogačar is in top form, and he means serious business. Winning often, which is the goal, helps build great momentum. Pogačar seems to be taking the approach of building momentum this year from the earliest possible moment. He conquered demanding stages. At 26, he’s at the peak of his physical prowers and tactical understanding. This win solidifies his confidence and sets the stage for an aggressive campaign.
Moderator: You mentioned aggression. Pogačar is known for his audacious race tactics. We’ve seen him launch attacks from seemingly unfeasible distances. Last year’s victory at Strade Bianche,where he broke away 80 kilometers from the finish,is a testament to that. Do you think he will employ a similar strategy this time around, or will he adapt to the evolving strategies of his rivals?
Emilia Rossi: (Smiling) That, my friend, is the million-dollar question! Pogačar thrives on keeping his rivals guessing. Though, I believe the conditions are set up for Pogačar to have a major impact in this year’s race as well.He certainly has the physical capacity to replicate that explosive attack. Though, his main rivals, like van der Poel and van Aert at this level, are not going to let him get away so easily.His team has to take full advantage of his lead and he has to keep the team’s interest at heart. Their tactical approach might also depend on the circumstances. If the peloton allows a breakaway to form and gain a significant lead, Pogačar might need to be more patient, conserving energy for a final surge on the challenging final climbs in Siena. We’ll need to be mindful of the whether conditions and the quality of the competition on the day.
Moderator: It’s interesting that you brought up the weather. We’re talking about these white roads of Strade Bianche. They’re notorious for their dust, mud, and unpredictable conditions. How much of a factor will the weather play in this year’s race?
Emilia Rossi: It’s huge! These aren’t the smooth, paved roads of a typical stage race. The gravel sections amplify the impact of any adverse weather conditions. Rain can turn the “Strade Bianche” into treacherous mud pits, making bike handling skills and tire choice paramount. Dry conditions mean more dust, which affects visibility and grip. Any kind of technical issue—a puncture or a mechanical—can become incredibly costly. Consider the 2023 edition where the race was held in perfect conditions, allowing for great visibility and tire choice. this added to Pogačar’s aggressive gameplay. In extreme conditions, a rider’s fate can hinge on a moment of misfortune, a dropped chain, a crash.The weather injects a huge dose of unpredictability into the equation.
Moderator: Absolutely. And this is where Pogačar’s versatility truly shines. We often think of him as a climbing specialist, but he’s demonstrated his ability to handle the technical complexities of the gravel roads with remarkable skill.
Emilia Rossi: Exactly. Pogačar is not just a climber; he’s a complete cyclist, a master of bike handling. He’s technically proficient, able to navigate the cobbles with confidence, and this, coupled with his explosive power, gives him a significant advantage in the Strade Bianche. He’s also bright about equipment choices and understanding the best approach to the race. He understands the need for a slightly lower gearing to better handle the gravel sections and rough terrain.
Moderator: Now, let’s shift our focus to his objectives for this race. He’s aiming for Milan-Sanremo,the frist Monument of the season. How crucial is this race as a “stepping stone” to Milan-sanremo for him?
Emilia Rossi: Strade Bianche is vital. Milan-Sanremo is a different beast altogether; a long, grueling classic. It’s a race that demands supreme endurance, tactical awareness, and a devastating sprint finish. he’s already won one of the hardest classics in the sport – Liege Bastone Liege, and Strade Bianche could fill the need for some gravel racing.Strade Bianche provides a vital mental and physical test to challenge the rider’s overall endurance and prepare his mind for the mental aspects of Milan-Sanremo. It allows him to gauge his form against his rivals. If he performs exceptionally well at Strade Bianche, it will definitely instill further confidence and momentum leading into the final stages of his Milan-Sanremo training. The Strade Bianche is essentially a high-level, intense training session.
Moderator: Milan-sanremo.That’s one of the two monuments missing from his extraordinary palmarès, along with Paris-Roubaix. What makes this a particularly challenging race for Pogačar?
Emilia Rossi: milan-Sanremo is a unique test.It’s the longest one-day professional race on the calendar, and it’s not a race for specialists. It might seems counter-intuitive, but this is true. It’s a race that favors riders who can not only climb well but also sprint well, and have endurance over extreme distances. The key climbs – the Cipressa and the Poggio – are decisive,but the race is decided by their capacity in the final sprints through the streets of San Remo. Pogačar is a phenomenal climber, but his sprint might not necessarily be the most competitive among the heavyweights, with riders like Philipsen or van der poel, known for their explosive speed. This means he’ll need to either drop them on the Poggio or arrive in a small group and outwit them with clever tactics.
Moderator: So, tactical versatility and cunning are going to be key to his success in Milan-Sanremo then?
Emilia Rossi: Absolutely! He can’t rely solely on raw power in Milan-Sanremo. We know that Pogačar is aware of this, however, he is the most aggressive rider, and he doesn’t have a strong sprint. He needs to use the Strade Bianche to experiment with those approaches. pogačar’s team will be crucial. They need to anticipate the moves of the other teams and set him up for success in the final stages of the race. he will need to be as aggressive as possible in order to control the race and not to risk being controlled. If his team can isolate him from the sprinters and create a scenario where he can attack on the Poggio, he could outwit them.His intelligence and tactical awareness,combined with his physical prowess,are going to be critical if he wants to win.
Moderator: It’s engaging to watch him constantly evolve and adapt his strategies. Are there any potential rivals who could pose a significant threat to Pogačar in the Strade Bianche?
Emilia Rossi: There are several.Mathieu van der Poel always poses a huge threat. There are multiple others. These are riders capable of beating Pogačar on their respective best day: the likes of Wout van Aert, perhaps Evenepoel, though he may be less inclined toward the gravel. These riders are exceptionally strong, and they possess great bike-handling skills in varied conditions. They know how to handle the rough terrain and will be relentless in their efforts to beat Pogačar. There are of course many strong Italian riders to keep an eye on. Then, there are also strong, dark horses. You can be sure they will be more than ready to snatch any chance.
Moderator: It’s going to be an incredibly exciting race to watch. The strategy, the potential for weather-related chaos, the rivalry. What about the overall significance of the Strade Bianche in the grand scheme of cycling? Why does this race resonate so much with fans?
Emilia Rossi: The Strade Bianche is special because of many factors. Firstly, its novelty. Secondly, the stunning scenery of Tuscany.The races have evolved from a relatively minor event to a crucial fixture on the cycling calendar, thanks to both the race’s growing prestige and the media coverage. The white roads themselves create a unique aesthetic, and combined with the dramatic landscape it creates some of the most stunning images in the sport. It’s a race that separates the pretenders from the champions where the physical condition is paramount. The demanding gravel sectors create an epic battle. It’s a brutal, beautiful spectacle and it never ceases to deliver, and I think that is why it is so popular.
Moderator: Emilia, that was all very insightful. It’s always fascinating to have you on the program. Any final thoughts or predictions before we wrap up?
Emilia Rossi: I’m expecting a thrilling race from Pogačar. He comes in strong and ready. Strade Bianche will mark an example of his evolving style. I expect to see a high-octane race with multiple attacks and the potential for a very exciting spectacle. I predict Pogačar will be in the mix to win the race.
Moderator: We’ll look forward to seeing it unfold! Emilia Rossi, thank you for joining us today. And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in. Until next time, keep pedaling and keep the passion for cycling alive.
Do you agree with Emilia Rossi on the impact of the weather in the Strade Bianche? Share your thoughts in the comments!
