Bruised and bloodied, Tadej Pogacar still managed to solo to victory at Strade Bianche as the remarkable Slovenian became only the second cyclist to win the classic three times.
The defending champion recovered from a heavy crash to surge free of Tom Pidcock in an against-the-odds triumph in Tuscany.
The Slovenian — who also became the first to win the race back-to-back — remarkably had time to sit up on the approach to the line, raise his arms above his head and point both index fingers at the sky as he beamed broadly.
Pogacar, who also won in 2022, finished 1min, 24 secs ahead of Britain's Pidcock and 2min, 12secs ahead of Tim Wellens of Belgium.
This year's Strade Bianche was one of the toughest yet as for the first time in 19 editions there were more than 80km (50 miles) of the white, gravel roads that give the race its name.
There were 16 gravel sectors, totaling 81.7 kilometers, on the 213km (132-mile) route through the Tuscan countryside.
Although he was heavy favourite before the race, Pogacar's chances didn't look so good when he fell with just under 50km remaining.
The three-time Tour de France champion was at the head of a leading trio going downhill and he slid out on a corner, sending him flying across the road and tumbling head over heels into a ditch.
Pogacar was swiftly back on his bicycle but covered in scrapes on his left leg and arm, with his skinsuit torn up, and about 30 seconds down on Pidcock.He managed to quickly pass Connor Swift — who had been the other rider in the trio — and, when the gap fell to 15 seconds, Pidcock opted to wait for Pogacar to continue their duel heading into the final 45km.
Pogacar attacked on the penultimate sector, with 18 kilometers remaining, and left Pidcock in his — white — dust.
In the women’s race, Dutch star Demi Vollering survived a resurgent performance from compatriot Anna van der Breggen to secure her second win in Siena.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄́𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 👸
— Strade Bianche (@StradeBianche) March 8, 2025
𝐋𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐄́𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 👸#StradeBianche @CA_Ita pic.twitter.com/ScrrcBoNOA
Vollering, winner two years ago, powered away from Van der Breggen, who has returned to the peloton this season after ending her retirement, late on as
AP
Tom Pidcock to miss 2025 Tour de France after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
How Geraint Thomas became the loveable face of Britain’s tainted cycling boom
Tadej Pogacar set to earn record cycling salary as UAE Team Emirates line up new contract
Pidcock leads the charge against imperious Pogacar at Strade Bianche
How Geraint Thomas became the loveable face of Britain’s tainted cycling boom
Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season
