In an unforgettable display of resilience and skill, Tadej Pogačar triumphed at the 2025 Strade Bianche, overcoming a heavy fall 50 kilometers from the finish line to claim victory. The Slovenian powerhouse’s determination was on full display as he defied the odds, adding a third Strade Bianche title to his name and equaling Fabian Cancellara’s record for the most wins in the prestigious race.
Pogačar’s win came after a dramatic crash that left him bloodied and battered, with cuts and scratches across his body. Despite the setback, he displayed incredible grit, recovering quickly and continuing his pursuit of victory. In the closing kilometers, Pogačar left behind his closest rival, Tom Pidcock, with a blistering solo attack 18.6 kilometers from the finish. The acceleration, which seemed impossible given the circumstances, showcased his world-class talent and fierce willpower.
In his post-race comments, Pogačar acknowledged the toll the crash had taken but expressed gratitude for his recovery. “Bit the dust pretty hard today. Glad to bounce back and take the win. Tim on the podium also: very well deserved,” he said, referring to his teammate Tim, who also had a strong showing. Pogačar’s humility and appreciation for his team’s support were evident in his words.
He also praised his partner, Urška, who helped him recover from the crash, noting that he was “lucky to escape with a few cuts, scratches, and thorns in the side” after the fall. Her care and support played a crucial role in his ability to push through the pain and finish the race at the front. Pogačar’s resilience was nothing short of inspiring, showing the true heart of a champion.
With this victory, Pogačar has firmly established himself as one of the sport’s greats, especially in one-day races. The Strade Bianche win marks another milestone in his already impressive career, and he will now look ahead to his next challenge: the iconic Milan-San Remo. “Part 1 of the Italian adventure done. Roll on San Remo,” he remarked, ready to take on the next chapter of his season.
Pogačar’s performance in the 2025 Strade Bianche will undoubtedly go down in cycling history, not just for his ability to win but for the strength and resilience he showed in overcoming a brutal crash. As he heads into the rest of the season, his competitors will certainly be keeping a close eye on the world champion, who has proven time and again that nothing, not even a crash, can stop him.
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