There are few races that can match the beauty of Strade Bianche. The white gravel roads that weave through the rolling green hills of Tuscany set the stage for one of the toughest races of the year with 82 kilometers of gravel across 16 sectors. But, who can challenge top favorite Tadej Pogacar? The Slovenian is the overwhelming favorite on the Tuscan gravel roads but his former teammate Marc Hirschi has something to say.
This winter, the Swiss rider moved from UAE Team Emirates to Tudor Pro Cycling Team. A step down from WorldTour to a ProTeam. Hirschi has race the Italian classic three times before, in 2019, 2020 and 2024. His best result came last year when he finished 68th. He was primarily worked as a domestique for his team leader. This year, he will be team leader himself. Last year, the organizers introduced an additional loop. The course became longer and much tougher. This year, the race will stick to that same format, with more gravel and more elevation gain. Last year, Pogacar capitalized on the updated Strade Bianche course. He launched a solo burning attack 80 kilometers out and scorched to victory. Hirschi knows his old teammate well - good enough to beat him? We'll see tomorrow.
"I chose Tudor because they ar giving me everything I need. I get freedom here, they work super professionally, the structure is like other WorldTour teams, and they work hard on innovation and aerodynamics. It was an easy decision for me.
It feels super good. I like this race. It's one of the most beautiful races of the year. I'm very happy to be here.
It's a small difference with the added gravel sector. I think in the end you really have to be in position early. Also, if you have a flat tire, it's very hard to come back. I think in the final it changes nothing, but you just need to be in the front earlier.
He (Pogacar) is super strong. For sure, you also need to have some luck. In this race, you can so easily have a flat tire or crash. So many things can happen. You never know what's going to happen. That's probable the biggest risk for him."
-Marc Hirschi
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