Pogačar 7th in Strade Bianche

Less than a week after triumphing at the UAE Tour, Tadej Pogačar was back racing again on the gravel roads of Strade Bianche, with the 22 year old coming home in 7th place in the historic finish in Siena, Italy.

After being present throughout the 186km through Tuscan countryside the Emirati squad placed Pogačar perfectly to ensure he made the winning move which composed of all of the pre-race favourites.

Bad luck struck for Aleksandr Riabushenko with 50km to go when he suffered a facial injury after a crash. He received stitches to his lip though fortunately did not suffer any further serious injury.

Race winner Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin- Fenix) emerged strongest on the day, while Pogačar underscored his form heading into Tirreno-Adriatico next week.

 
Pogačar: “It was a good day for us, the team put in a strong performance being active on the front of the race all day. I made it into the main move but in the last gravel sector where Van Der Poel attacked I was on the limit. I didn’t give up and I put in a lot of work in the fight for 4th place in the end. I worked to try and catch the first group but it didn’t work out. I’m satisfied with my 7th place today.”