Tadej Pogacar overcame a dramatic crash with 50km remaining to win Strade Bianche Uomini for a third time, soloing into Siena’s Piazza del Campo after dropping Tom Pidcock inside the final 20km. The UAE Team Emirates XRG rider became only the second man in history to win the race three times, matching the record of Fabian Cancellara, and he did so in the fastest edition yet with an average speed of 40.7km/h.
Despite hitting the deck hard and tearing up his world champion’s skinsuit, Pogacar clawed his way back to the front before launching a race-winning move on the Colle Pinzuto climb. Pidcock, riding for Q36.5, had no answer and rolled in one minute and 24 seconds down, while Pogacar’s teammate Tim Wellens secured third at 2:12.
As a three-time champion, Pogacar will now have a gravel sector named in his honour, just as Cancellara does.
How the race unfolded
The 19th edition of Strade Bianche Uomini featured its toughest route yet, with more than 80km of gravel across 16 sterrato sectors. A breakaway of ten riders formed early, including Lewis Askey from Groupama-FDJ, Connor Swift from Ineos Grenadiers, and Mark Donovan from Q36.5. They built a lead of around four minutes before the pace ramped up behind.
The race came to life on Monte Sante Marie, the longest and most famous gravel sector, which had been decisive in previous editions. It was here that Tom Pidcock made the first real move, attacking with 80km to go. Pogacar, the defending champion, reacted instantly, and the duo quickly distanced the rest. Swift managed to fight his way across, forming a leading trio.
Photo Credit: LaPresseWith 50km to go, the race took a dramatic turn. Pogacar, pressing the pace on a high-speed descent, misjudged a sweeping corner. His back wheel slid out, and the world champion crashed hard, skidding into a ditch at the roadside. Swift, caught off-guard, also slowed, leaving Pidcock alone at the front.
For a moment, it looked like Pogacar’s chances had vanished. He emerged from the thorn bushes, his skinsuit in tatters, blood on his left leg and arm, and limped to a bike change. But within minutes, he was back on the chase, grinding his way back to the front.
Pidcock, seeing Pogacar closing in, chose to wait—a gesture of sportsmanship but also a calculated decision, knowing it was too far to go alone. The pair reunited with 45km remaining, while Swift faded behind.
Pogacar sat back for a while, appearing cautious through corners, but when they reached the Colle Pinzuto climb inside 20km to go, he struck. The acceleration was immediate and decisive. Pidcock tried to hold on but soon cracked, watching as Pogacar powered away into the Tuscan hills.
The gap grew relentlessly—ten seconds, then thirty, then over a minute. By the time Pogacar reached the final climb into Siena, the brutal Via Santa Caterina, Pidcock was nowhere in sight. The Slovenian waved to the crowds, crossed the line alone, and raised his arms in victory.
Behind, Wellens, who had survived the chaos to emerge from the chasing group, secured third, returning to the podium eight years after his last top-three finish in 2017.
Photo Credit: LaPressePost-race reactions
Pogacar: “I just went too fast”
The win may have looked dominant, but Pogacar admitted his crash left him worried.
“There was a moment of panic when I was on the ground. I didn’t know if I was okay, the bike wasn’t working, so I had to change it. After a crash, you never know how the body will react, but I still had enough to finish it off.” The Slovenian took full responsibility for his mistake. “I know this road very well, I’ve ridden it 20 times, but sometimes you get it wrong. I just went too fast and slipped. Shit happens.”
Despite the bruises, the reward for his third victory is a place in Strade Bianche Uomini history.
Pidcock: “Bittersweet feeling”
Pidcock was left with mixed emotions, having been the only rider able to follow Pogacar’s initial attack.
“I didn’t do anything wrong today, so this is the best result I could get. One of my best rides ever, I think. When Tadej crashed, I thought maybe I had a better chance, but he was still too strong.” The Brit chose to wait for Pogacar after his crash, believing it was the right thing to do. “He made a mistake, and this is not how you take advantage in a race. There was still a long way to go, and I didn’t want to ride that far alone.”
Pidcock now turns his focus to Tirreno-Adriatico, aiming to build on a strong start to the season with Q36.5.
Wellens back on the podium
Tim Wellens played a key role in UAE Team Emirates’ strategy, staying with Pogacar deep into the race before dropping back. The Belgian was pleased with third place, his first podium since 2017.
“Both times on the podium of Strade Bianche feel great. This is a race I really like. I had good legs and could finish it off for third. Tadej winning is never guaranteed, especially with a crash like that, but he was strong enough to pull it off.”
Photo Credit: LaPresse2025 Strade Bianche Uomini result
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Main photo credit: LaPresse
