Tadej Pogačar is no stranger to rewriting the history books. At just 25 years old, the Slovenian superstar has already cemented himself as one of the greatest riders of his generation, conquering Grand Tours and one-day races alike. As the 2025 cycling season moves into full swing, Pogačar has set his sights on an ambitious goal—winning a third Strade Bianche title. With the gravel roads of Tuscany calling, he is ready to prove once again that he thrives in the chaos and unpredictability of the Spring Classics.
A Love Affair with the Classics
While many Grand Tour contenders shy away from the bruising intensity of the Classics, Pogačar embraces them. His aggressive style, explosive climbing, and fearless descending make him tailor-made for races like Strade Bianche, the Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
“I love the Classics—they’re pure adrenaline. The moment you enter the first sector, you know there’s no holding back. It’s about instinct, about pushing yourself beyond the limit,” Pogačar said in a recent interview.
His love for these one-day battles has translated into remarkable success. Already a two-time winner of Strade Bianche (2022, 2023), he also boasts victories in Lombardia and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Now, he aims to join the elite club of three-time Strade Bianche winners, a feat that would further solidify his status as one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling.
Why Strade Bianche Suits Pogačar Perfectly
Strade Bianche has often been called the “sixth Monument” due to its demanding nature and unpredictable racing. The 184-kilometer course features 11 gravel sectors that put immense strain on the riders, culminating in a brutally steep final climb into Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
Pogačar’s ability to attack on both short, punchy climbs and long, grueling ascents makes him a nightmare for his rivals. His 2022 victory saw him launch a solo attack with over 50 kilometers to go, showcasing his sheer dominance. In 2023, he outlasted an elite group in a thrilling finale, proving that he can win both through long-range aggression and tactical mastery.
His training has been laser-focused on replicating the efforts required for Strade Bianche. UAE Team Emirates coach Marco Marcato detailed their approach: “Tadej thrives in these races because of his ability to recover quickly between hard efforts. We’ve been working on explosive accelerations on gravel terrain, simulating the short climbs that define Strade Bianche.”
Who Stands in His Way?
As Pogačar embarks on his journey to a third Strade Bianche title, he faces stiff competition.
- Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): The reigning world champion is a master of one-day races and a former winner of Strade Bianche. His explosive power on the steep gradients could make him Pogačar’s biggest threat.
- Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike): Another all-rounder with the strength to challenge on the gravel roads, Van Aert will be looking to add Strade Bianche to his list of Classic victories.
- Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers): The 2024 winner of the race, Pidcock has proven his ability to handle the unpredictable nature of Strade Bianche and won’t back down from a fight.
- Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep): Though more known for his time-trialing and stage racing, Evenepoel’s attacking instincts could make him a wildcard contender.
Despite the presence of these top-tier rivals, Pogačar remains confident in his ability to dictate the race.
A Spring Campaign of Ambition
Strade Bianche is just the beginning of Pogačar’s spring campaign. His ambitions stretch beyond Tuscany, with a schedule packed with Monument goals and Tour de France preparations.
After Strade Bianche, Pogačar is expected to race Tirreno-Adriatico, where he has previously dominated, before shifting focus to Milan-San Remo—a race that remains one of the few missing from his palmarès. Then comes the Tour of Flanders, where he stunned the cycling world in 2023 with a spectacular solo win.
“Every year, I want to test myself against the best in different races. Winning Flanders was incredible, and I’d love to do it again. But Strade Bianche is always special to me,” he said.
The Legacy of a Modern Great
Pogačar’s pursuit of a third Strade Bianche title is about more than just adding another trophy to his cabinet—it’s about reinforcing his legacy as one of the most complete riders in history. His ability to seamlessly transition between Grand Tours and one-day races puts him in the same conversation as legends like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault.
If he succeeds in Siena once again, it will serve as yet another reminder that cycling is witnessing a once-in-a-generation talent. With his relentless attacking style, infectious love for the sport, and unmatched versatility, Pogačar continues to captivate fans worldwide.
As the 2025 Strade Bianche approaches, one thing is certain—Tadej Pogačar will leave nothing to chance in his quest for another legendary victory.
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