As the 2025 Strade Bianche draws near, a wave of anticipation and excitement is building up in the world of professional cycling. The prestigious one-day race, renowned for its brutal gravel sectors and stunning Tuscan scenery, is always a spectacle—and this year, all eyes are on Tadej Pogacar. The 2024 Strade Bianche victory, where Pogacar made history by riding a remarkable 81 kilometers solo through the rolling hills of Tuscany, is still fresh in the minds of cycling enthusiasts. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider’s triumph in Siena was not only a testament to his skill but also a marker of his exceptional form that continued throughout the season.

Now, with the 2025 edition of the race on the horizon, team boss Joxean Fernandez Matxin has sent a clear warning to Pogacar’s rivals: the Slovenian star is poised to be “even better” this time around. Matxin, known for his no-nonsense attitude and his ability to bring out the best in his riders, is confident that Pogacar’s form has taken another step forward since last year’s victory.

“I don’t want to say too much, but we believe that Tadej can be even stronger this year,” Matxin said, speaking to reporters during the team’s training camp ahead of the race. “We respect the competition, but we know what Tadej is capable of, and we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure he’s in the best possible shape for Strade Bianche. He’s hungry for another win, and we believe that this year he has all the tools to make it happen again.”

The Road to Strade Bianche 2025: A Dominant Year for Pogacar

Pogacar’s victory at Strade Bianche in 2024 wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. After a season marred by setbacks and injuries, the Slovenian made a spectacular return to form, dominating not only Strade Bianche but also a host of other races across Europe. That iconic 81-kilometre solo ride through the heart of Tuscany was perhaps the crowning moment of his season—a performance that showcased his exceptional endurance, tactical intelligence, and sheer willpower.

For many, it was clear that Pogacar was back to his best, a rider who had previously dominated the Tour de France and had shown his versatility on various terrains. His Strade Bianche win was the beginning of a golden run in 2024, where he notched up victories in multiple World Tour races, including the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Vuelta a España. His ability to perform across different disciplines, from the mountains to the cobbles, made him one of the most feared riders in the peloton.

However, Matxin believes that Pogacar’s potential is far from being fully realized. He has been vocal in his admiration for the Slovenian’s dedication to improving, both physically and mentally. Matxin credits Pogacar’s relentless focus and his ability to learn from each race as the key factors that will propel him to an even higher level in 2025.

“The way Tadej approaches his training and his races is incredible,” Matxin continued. “He’s constantly evolving, and that’s what makes him such a dangerous rider. There are no limits to what he can achieve, and we are all working towards making sure that 2025 is an even better year for him.”

The Rivalry: A Field of Challengers

While Pogacar remains the undisputed leader of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Matxin knows that the competition will be fierce. Strade Bianche is always a race that attracts the very best in the world, and with riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Julian Alaphilippe all vying for the win, it’s clear that Pogacar won’t have it all his own way.

In particular, van der Poel and van Aert, two of the most versatile riders in modern cycling, have been in strong form in recent seasons. Both have shown the ability to dominate on gravel roads, making them natural threats at Strade Bianche. Meanwhile, Alaphilippe, who has been a consistent contender in the one-day classics, will also have his sights set on victory in Siena. With so much talent in the field, Strade Bianche 2025 promises to be a thrilling race.

Yet, Matxin is unphased. While he acknowledges the strength of the competition, he remains confident that Pogacar’s ability to rise to the occasion will see him through.

“We respect the competition,” Matxin said. “We know that van der Poel, van Aert, and Alaphilippe are fantastic riders, but we believe that Tadej is on a different level. He’s shown time and time again that he can handle the pressure and come out on top in the hardest of conditions. Strade Bianche is a race that suits his strengths, and we’re confident that he’ll be ready for whatever challenges the race throws his way.”

A Perfect Fit for Strade Bianche

Strade Bianche, with its 180 kilometers of tough, rolling terrain and its gravel roads that test a rider’s endurance and skill, is a race that demands a rider who excels in a variety of disciplines. It’s a race that combines elements of both the classics and the Grand Tours, making it the perfect fit for a rider like Pogacar. His combination of power, tactical intelligence, and ability to ride at the front of the race in the most difficult conditions makes him a formidable contender.

Pogacar’s success in 2024 was no fluke. His victory came after a tactical masterclass in the closing stages of the race, where he launched a decisive attack that shattered the field. His strength in the gravel sectors and his ability to maintain a high pace on the tough climbs made him a rider that no one could match.

“I think Strade Bianche is a perfect race for Tadej,” Matxin explained. “It requires a rider who can handle both the technical aspects of the gravel and the power needed to push through the climbs. Tadej has all of that, and we’ve been focusing on these areas in his preparation. He’s in great shape, and he knows exactly how to approach this race. We’re confident that he can repeat his performance from last year.”

Pogacar’s Focus: The Road Ahead

For Pogacar, the 2025 season is about more than just defending his Strade Bianche title. After the success of 2024, the Slovenian is determined to build on his momentum and continue to challenge for the biggest prizes in cycling. In addition to Strade Bianche, Pogacar will have his sights set on the Tour de France, where he has already won twice, as well as other one-day races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

However, Matxin believes that Pogacar’s focus on Strade Bianche is a sign of his growing maturity as a rider. For Pogacar, it’s no longer just about winning races—it’s about constantly improving and striving to be the best. Strade Bianche, with its challenging terrain and prestigious history, offers him a perfect stage to showcase his skills once again.

“Every race is an opportunity for Tadej to show what he can do,” Matxin said. “But Strade Bianche holds a special place in his heart. He’s already proven that he can win this race, but he wants to do it again—and do it even better. That’s what drives him.”

A Race to Watch

With the Strade Bianche fast approaching, all eyes will be on Pogacar as he prepares to defend his title and continue his reign of dominance in 2025. Joxean Fernandez Matxin’s confidence in his star rider is unwavering, and the combination of Pogacar’s form and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s support makes them one of the most formidable forces in cycling.

As the peloton gathers in Tuscany for one of the most exciting races on the calendar, one thing is certain: Tadej Pogacar is ready to prove, once again, that he is not just a champion but an even better one. The 2025 Strade Bianche promises to be another thrilling chapter in the story of one of the sport’s greatest talents.