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Tadej Pogačar during 2024 Strade Bianche.

Men’s Strade Bianche report: Tadej Pogačar wins with daring 81-kilometre solo move

Pogačar had the audacity to tell the world what he was going to do before the start, and still, it worked.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) on his way to victory at 2024 Strade Bianche. Photo: © Gruber Images

Kit Nicholson
by Kit Nicholson 02.03.2024 Photography by
Jered Gruber, Cor Vos
More from Kit +

Tadej Pogačar dared to tell media he hoped to win his second Strade Bianche by attacking on the Monte Sante Maria, but that would mean going clear somewhere in the region of 80 kilometres from the finish line. Surely not.

But of course, if there’s anyone who can do it, Pogačar’s the man, even – or perhaps especially – in his first race of 2024. With teammate Tim Wellens leading the reduced bunch into the last 85 km and Quinn Simmons’ last probing attack neutralised, the Slovenian national champion looked around, wiped his lenses, and then exploded off the front. Sepp Kuss tried to follow after the briefest of hesitations, but in a matter of seconds, it was all over.

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A hail storm preceded Pogačar’s attack, and once he was away, the sun shone on the remainder of the race.

Analysis:

Toms Skujins and Ben Healy pictured during 2024 Strade Bianche.
Two of the day’s more active riders, Toms Skujiņš and Ben Healy. Note Skujiņš’ bloodied knee that he sustained during an unfortunate crash with teammate Quinn Simmons, one of a number of obstacles thrown his way on his way to a podium finish.

Quote of the day:

Pogačar when asked if Strade Bianche could or should be considered a sixth Monument.

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