Preview: Is Pogačar a shoo-in to set a new Strade Bianche record?

Tadej Pogačar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, is being universally tipped as the overwhelming favourite for the upcoming Strade Bianche, with significant speculation that he could set a new record for the race. The Slovenian superstar's form and previous dominance on the Tuscan gravel roads have led to a consensus among pundits and fans alike that a second victory in Siena is all but assured, potentially by a significant margin.

This widespread expectation stems directly from Pogačar's utterly dominant 2022 Strade Bianche performance, where he launched a solo attack from 50km out and rode to an emphatic, unchallenged victory. His current early-season form, combined with a relatively weaker start list compared to previous years, further solidifies his position. For a rider of Pogačar's calibre, Strade Bianche serves not just as a target in itself, but as a crucial early-season benchmark for the Classics and Grand Tours to come.

Ultimately, Pogačar's presence elevates Strade Bianche from a competitive race to a coronation. The only real question seems to be how wide the margin will be, not if he'll win.