“White hair for white streets.” With these words, Tadej Pogacar A few days ago he announced his new look for the start of the season. “Ready to jump in this weekend “Strade Bianche”, The Slovenian posted on his Instagram a reference to a test that is close to his heart and which he mastered in his only participation so far (2022). But there are things that don’t change. Every time you put on a bib, it’s about winning. In addition, the breeds of Sterrato They are also part of the extensive specialty catalog. Last year he raised his arms at the Clásica Jaén in his debut career. This Saturday (2 p.m., Eurosport 2) the goal is the same.
“I was patient and adopted one This year things are going a little slower and I started running a little later. It will be a long season with two big tours, in this sense new territory for me. But I’m excited about the prospect, it’s something new,” explains an enthusiastic one Pogi in what will be the beginning of another year for him, with the Giro Tour double at the horizon. Despite his eagerness, he rightly appeals for patience. This will be the final debut of a season, as it has always started in January or February.
“The first is the Strade, a race that I love and have great memories of. My preparation was really good and we will fight for the win. “You never know exactly how you will be in the first few races and there will be big rivals, but I think that with our team we can be prepared for anything,” concluded the Slovenian, who has the support of luxury junkers Wellens, Hirschi and Del Toro. Nearly nothing. As if that wasn’t enough, good old Pogacar, in addition to his enormous natural talent for this type of scenario, also prepared the exam thoroughly. Near Monaco, where he lives, The Slovenian performed differently Training with Gravel bike in recent weeks, as he shared on his social networks. It doesn’t hide. And you don’t need it.
A new menu
The race, which is being held for the 18th time, has also been awarded first place in the UCI rankings for three years. It will be that For the first time the Strade exceeds 200 km (215), which will provide arguments for those who defend it with the honorary title of “sixth monument”. In this way the sectors of Sterrato There will be 15 in total 71 km of land. Time will also be another factor to consider. Rain is not expected for the race, but there has been plenty of rain in Siena in recent days, which could ease Pictures like they were from 2018, with the hallways full of mud.
“The group is very strong with Pogacar and Pidcock, among others. We hope to be able to match or even improve on last year’s results. Personal development is my biggest goal in cycling. It would be great to finish near the podium. However, luck affects every cyclist,” he explains. Attila Valter (5th in 2023 and 4th in 2022), who will be the leader of a Visma that has not triumphed in the Strade since the now absent Van Aert in 2020. With the Hungarian, Laporte and Kuss, the Dutch team has many candidates in the squad, a list that also includes Mohoric, Healy, Carapaz, Dani Martínez, Bettiol, Simmons, Lenny Martínez, Asgreen, Bardet, Alaphilippe, Cort Nielsen, Formolo and of course them Current champion: Pidcock. Do not miss.