Tadej Pogačar achieved historic racing success in Strade Bianche by completing an 81 km solitary victory, setting the stage for the Italian race to be celebrated as a Monument. He engaged in the race with a spirit of fervor and fun, as vowed.
As a participant for UAE Team Emirates, Pogačar won over photographers with his joyous expression at the zenith of the Via Santa Caterina ascent. Mirroring his previous success two years ago, he exchanged high-fives with former coaches and shared his triumph with his girlfriend Urška Zigart, who he admits has been pivotal in his accomplishments.
Regardless of exhaustion following the achievement, Pogačar maintained his cheerfulness and managed to relish every moment. When asked about his audacious approach to the race, Pogačar responded by questioning the sanity required to be a cyclist, which resulted in laughter. He expressed admiration for the environment he experienced on the road, noting the significant spectator turnout as a unique aspect of Italian races. He asserts this as an enduring memory despite not considering it as his most distinguished win due to societal norms.
The five paramount bicycle races, known as the Monuments, are characterized by their history, distinct routes, and high-profile champions. Strade Bianche, only 18 years old, has now witnessed Pogačar’s extraordinary 81km ‘impresa,’ as Italians call an isolated victory. However, Pogačar is too humble to pronounce his momentous success as a turning point.
He also suggests that Strade Bianche bears the potential to become monumental competitional history after a century. He asserts its popularity and widespread viewership worldwide, emphasizing its current significance as one of the world’s biggest races.
Pogačar explains his instinctual Monte Sante Marie gravel attack, contemplating the odds and outpacing his opponents. According to him, the original game plan fell apart due to unforeseen circumstances in the race. He rationalizes this as a strategic moment and a test of his stamina. He knew that he could count on his teammates, Isaac del Toro and Tim Wellens, if he lost momentum.
Following this, Pogačar will not participate in Tirreno-Adriatico but plans to return for Milan-San Remo. He looks forward to contesting Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Mathieu van der Poel, participating in Volta a Catalunya, returning to Liège-Bastogne-Liège and competing in Giro d’Italia and Tour de France after altitude training at a camp.
In spite of recovering from a crash last year, he is excited about his schedule and is filled with anticipation for each race. This victory has helped to reestablish his self-belief and confirms his successful winter preparation.