tThis year, in which he aspires to achieve the impossible in May and July, Adej Pogacar is clear about what is best for him at the beginning of March. He could have taken it easy. He could have snuggled into a smaller tour first. But he chose Strade Bianche to start the season.

This dusty gravel road fights against a Tuscan backdrop that pushes people and racing machines to the limit. An incredibly grueling one-day event where tactical considerations take a backseat to sheer (will) strength in the finish. Strade Bianche is “a race that I love,” says the Slovenian superstar of the UAE team. And as Pogacar has started each of his seasons since 2020 with a (tour) victory, he too will drive “to win” in the endless ups and downs to and from Siena, as he puts it.