Get ready for an exciting start to the cycling season! Tadej Pogačar, the world champion, is all geared up for his highly anticipated debut at Strade Bianche in Italy.
Pogačar, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, is joined by a strong team including Isaac Del Toro, Jan Christen, Felix Großschartner, Domen Novak, Florian Vermeersch, and Kevin Vermaerke. With an impressive record at Strade Bianche, Pogačar is eager to continue his winning streak.
"Strade holds a special place for me," Pogačar shared. "My past performances here have been memorable, and I'm aiming to replicate that success this Saturday. The competition will be fierce, as always, with a start list featuring some of the sport's biggest names."
This marks Pogačar's first race since his dominant victory at Il Lombardia last October, a race that capped off an incredible 2025 season with 20 wins. Among his achievements were two Tour of Flanders titles, three Liège-Bastogne-Liège wins, four Tour de France stage victories, and both the world and European road championships.
But here's where it gets controversial... Pogačar's throne is being challenged by a rising star, 19-year-old Paul Seixas. Seixas, riding for Decathlon CMA CGM, is generating buzz as the potential heir to Pogačar's dominance.
And this is the part most people miss... Strade Bianche isn't just about the stars. It's a grueling one-day race through the Tuscan countryside, featuring 14 gravel sectors spanning 64km of the total 201km course.
The men's race kicks off in Siena at 11:40 local time, with an expected finish in the iconic Piazza del Campo around 16:30 local time.
So, who do you think will reign supreme at Strade Bianche? Will Pogačar continue his dominance, or will a new star emerge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
