Three wins in the last three editions have made the formula almost predictable for Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche: go nuclear somewhere on the Monte Sante Marie section and solo away from everyone. But maybe this time, he’ll take a pal?
According to Het Nieuwsblad as reported by WielerFlits, somewhere in that decisive sector may very well again become the launchpad. At the pre-race press conference, the lads on UAE Team Emirates XRG were keeping their tactical cards close to their chest…maybe. You never really know with Pogi, do you? There have been times in the past he has quite literally said when he will launch.
A tough section for tired legs
The gravel climb proved decisive again last year, though it wasn’t originally planned as the launch point. Teammate Florian Vermeersch–in his second year with UAE, explained why the sector suits the world champ so well.
“The Monte Sante Marie is the most technical climb,” Vermeersch said. “It’s the hardest one and also has the steepest gradients. All of that is ideal for Tadej.”
He added that the build-up to the climb often softens the field before the decisive move. Legs are tenderized, people are tired. “The two gravel sectors before it are already really demanding, so the peloton arrives there with plenty of fatigue. That makes it easier for Tadej to make the difference.”
So will Pogi strike there again?
Pogačar was, as always, his playful self. I mean, like I said, you kinda never really know with this guy. “This time I’m going to wait for Isaac Del Toro to attack,” he joked. His Mexican teammate is in fine form–he looked quite Pogačar-esque when he double-kicked Antonio Tiberi on the queen stage of the UAE Tour. He has the similar, impossible-to-follow attacking style. It’s possible we may very well see Pogi and Del Toro finish 1-2, despite the presence of several other strong riders.
But Vermeersch also says, everyone in the peloton knows roughly where the race tends to explode.
There are hardly any secrets–and the favourites will do their best to be ready.
“Let’s just say we have a hook to hang our plan on,” he said about Monte Sante Marie. “But that’s the fun thing with Tadej. He might just do something totally different. That unpredictability is what makes him such a great rider.”
There is one Canadian racing in the men’s race, Pier-André Côté (NSN Cycling Team). In the women’s, there are three…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…