Tadej Pogačar delivered a performance for the ages on March 8, overcoming a dramatic crash to clinch his third Strade Bianche victory, further solidifying his legendary status.
The 26-year-old Slovenian endured a harrowing fall at high speed with 50km to go, sending him sprawling off the road.
Undeterred, he swiftly remounted his bike and, after a bike change, set about clawing his way back to the leaders.
Within just six kilometres, Pogačar had caught up with race leader Tom Pidcock, before unleashing a devastating attack with 19km remaining.
On the penultimate gravel sector, the world champion surged ahead, shaking off the Briton and powering to the line with a minute and 23 seconds in hand.
Pogačar’s victory, his fourth of the season, sees him join Fabian Cancellara on the Strade Bianche winners’ list.
The sheer resilience he displayed after the crash was a testament to his unyielding spirit.
He remarked that it wasn’t the best way to win, but hoped it wasn’t anything serious, as the adrenaline of victory still coursed through him.
