Slovenian Champion Overcomes Crash to Secure Historic Win in Tuscany
SIENA, Italy (8 March 2025) – Tadej Pogačar etched his name into the annals of cycling history today, capturing a remarkable third victory at the prestigious Strade Bianche. The Slovenian powerhouse added his name to the growing list of legends who have triumphed in Tuscany, becoming only the second rider in the race’s history to secure a hat-trick of wins. His victory, however, was far from conventional; Pogačar’s journey to the finish line on the iconic Piazza del Campo in Siena was marked by a dramatic crash and a bold, heroic comeback.
Pogačar was leading the race with British riders Tom Pidcock and Connor Swift when disaster struck. With just 50 kilometers remaining, the three-time Tour de France champion was involved in a crash that left him bruised and shaken. Yet, demonstrating both resilience and raw talent, Pogačar battled back from the brink of disaster, riding alone for 18 kilometers before crossing the line in 5 hours, 13 minutes, and 58 seconds. His average speed of 40.7 km/h set a new record for the race, outpacing the previous high set by Tom Pidcock just last year.
This win is historic not only for Pogačar’s remarkable performance but also for his status as the first reigning World Champion to ever win Strade Bianche. He also becomes the first rider to achieve back-to-back victories since the legendary Fabian Cancellara. Pogačar’s dominance on the gravel sectors and his ability to ride solo for significant stretches have now become a hallmark of his Strade Bianche legacy.
A Nail-Biting Finale
As the race reached its crescendo, the battle for victory took shape against the backdrop of the historic city of Siena. Despite the crash, Pogačar’s spirit remained unbroken. The chase group, led by Pidcock, awaited Pogačar’s return, unsure if the Slovenian would recover in time to challenge for the win. When he did rejoin the front, it was clear that Pogačar still had the legs to fight for victory.
Pidcock, who had been riding alongside Pogačar when the crash occurred, offered his thoughts at the press conference: “I didn’t do anything wrong today, so this is the best result I could get. To be honest, I did a really good ride today—one of my best performances ever. When Tadej crashed, it looked pretty bad, and I was hoping he’d be okay. He wasn’t pulling as hard anymore, but he was riding very smart. He’s the strongest guy, the favourite… I was thinking if he continues, he’s still strong enough to win.”
Pidcock finished second, 1 minute and 24 seconds behind Pogačar. It was a bittersweet finish for the Olympic mountain biking champion, who had his eyes on the win but still recognized the extraordinary effort put forth by the Slovenian rider. “I’ll go straight to Tirreno-Adriatico from here, and I’ll try to recover from today. It was a big day,” Pidcock reflected.
Tim Wellens Returns to the Podium
Completing the podium in third place was Tim Wellens, a key ally to Pogačar during the race and his teammate at UAE Team Emirates. Wellens, who had finished third in Strade Bianche in 2017, expressed his delight at returning to the top three after eight years. “This is a race I really like, and I’m grateful to the team for the opportunity,” Wellens said. “I was the last guy to stay with Tadej when he went early. It wasn’t the plan for him to attack that early, but he’s just that strong.”
Wellens rode a solid race, keeping pace with Pogačar in the final stages and securing third place, finishing 2 minutes and 12 seconds behind his teammate.
A Landmark Achievement
Pogačar’s achievement is one for the history books, placing him in a rarefied group of riders who have mastered the punishing gravel roads of Strade Bianche. With his third win, Pogačar joins the ranks of Fabian Cancellara, who won three times in 2008, 2012, and 2016. The Slovenian’s combined total of nearly 150 kilometers solo riding across his three victories – 49.2 km in 2022, 81 km in 2024, and 18.6 km this year – showcases his tenacity and ability to take control of a race when it matters most.
Moreover, his victory today marks a new chapter in the history of Strade Bianche, as Pogačar became the first reigning World Champion to triumph in the race, adding yet another milestone to his already illustrious career.
The Fastest Strade Bianche Ever
Pogačar’s victory was not only historic in terms of the overall achievement but also in its speed. With an average speed of 40.703 km/h, this year’s Strade Bianche is now the fastest of all 19 editions, narrowly surpassing the previous record set by Pidcock in 2023.
Looking Ahead
As Pogačar took the stage to receive his award, a prestigious Tudor watch, he reflected on the immense effort required to secure the win: “There was a moment of little panic in my head when I was off the bike after the crash,” he admitted. “But once I stood up, I got back to the front because there had been so much work from the team. It would have been a shame not to finish it off after all that effort.”
Pogačar’s words spoke to the camaraderie of the race, particularly his respect for Pidcock, who had waited for him after the crash. “I said sorry to Tom, the crash was my fault,” Pogačar continued. “It could have ended very badly for everyone in the front group. We respect each other, and it was a class race today.”
As the cycling world looks ahead to the upcoming classics, Pogačar’s victory at Strade Bianche is sure to serve as a powerful reminder of his indomitable will and his status as one of the sport’s greatest riders. With his sights set on the next challenges, including the upcoming Milan-San Remo and beyond, Pogačar’s dominance in the 2025 season is just beginning.
Final Results
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates – XRG) – 213 km in 5h 13′ 58″ (Avg. Speed: 40.704 km/h)
- Thomas Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) at 1’24”
- Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates – XRG) at 2’12”
