The 2025 edition of Strade Bianche has proven once again that Tadej Pogacar is a force to be reckoned with in cycling. As Gianni Vermeersch, the Belgian powerhouse, rode valiantly to try and stop him, it became increasingly clear that the Slovenian sensation was always going to be the man to beat. In an extraordinary display of power and poise, Pogacar took control in the latter stages of the race, leaving his competitors trailing in his wake, and securing yet another monumental win in his ever-expanding palmarès.

The Strade Bianche, a race that combines the raw beauty of Tuscany’s gravel roads with the grit and determination of the world’s best cyclists, has become a crown jewel on the World Tour calendar. However, even in the chaotic, dusty battle for dominance, there is one rider who consistently stands out from the pack: Tadej Pogacar.

The phrase “waiting for Tadej to go” has become somewhat of an unspoken code among his competitors. As the kilometers ticked by, many riders, including Vermeersch, were stuck in a passive stance, looking to anticipate when the Slovenian would unleash his signature move. However, this approach turned out to be a fatal mistake on the day, as the race unfolded.

The Build-Up to the Showdown

The Strade Bianche 2025 was an event that brought together an array of the sport’s elite riders. The race has become a symbol of the new age of cycling, where grit meets technique, and the old guard clashes with the young guns. For many, this edition seemed poised to be a showdown between the established champions and the hungry challengers eager to dethrone them.

Pogacar, who had won the race in 2023 and had shown signs of form leading up to this edition, was undoubtedly the favorite. Having cemented his place as one of cycling’s brightest stars, Pogacar had already made it clear that Strade Bianche was a race he loved — one that was close to his heart. He came into the race as a man on a mission, not only to win but to prove that he was more than just a Tour de France specialist. The 2025 season had seen him notch up impressive victories, and Strade Bianche was another opportunity to showcase his dominance on the more unpredictable terrain.

However, there were other strong contenders. Gianni Vermeersch, one of Belgium’s most consistent riders, was widely expected to play a pivotal role in the race. Known for his relentless energy and aggressive riding style, Vermeersch had shown over the years that he had the ability to take on the best, especially on challenging courses like Strade Bianche. Alongside him were other high-caliber riders like Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Primoz Roglic, all of whom were hoping to put Pogacar under pressure.

From the start, the race unfolded as expected. The first few gravel sectors saw aggressive moves, but the pack remained largely together. It wasn’t until the famous stretch of the Monte Sante Marie — a grueling, steep climb that tests every rider’s resolve — that the field began to split. Here, Vermeersch was one of the first to make a move, attacking the climb with the kind of vigor that made him a threat to anyone around him. However, he was not alone; Pogacar, the man of the hour, quickly followed, staying comfortably in his slipstream.

It was clear at this point that the race was going to come down to a showdown between these two riders. Pogacar, though, had a different plan in mind.

The Moment of Truth

As the race entered its final kilometers, the tension was palpable. Vermeersch had done his best to push the pace, hoping to capitalize on Pogacar’s potential fatigue, but the Slovenian was showing no signs of slowing down. Many had speculated that if the race came down to a battle of attrition, Vermeersch, with his greater experience on these kinds of roads, might just have the upper hand. However, it was becoming more and more evident that waiting for Pogacar to crack was a strategy doomed to fail.

In the final gravel sector, as the race neared its climax, Pogacar made his move. It wasn’t an explosive attack, nor was it a sudden burst of speed. Instead, it was a calculated, methodical acceleration that left Vermeersch with no option but to chase. The sheer power Pogacar demonstrated on the punishing gravel roads was a sight to behold. His ability to control his effort, maintain a consistent rhythm, and seemingly glide over the roughest sections while others struggled was unmatched.

Vermeersch, who had hoped to be the one to launch the decisive move, was left trying to bridge the gap as Pogacar began to pull away. The Belgian was pushing himself to the limit, but every time he closed in slightly, Pogacar responded with yet another surge. It was a battle that Vermeersch was always going to lose — not because of a lack of effort, but because he had underestimated the sheer force of Pogacar’s racing brain and physical strength.

“Many riders wait until Tadej goes, but then it’s too late,” Vermeersch remarked after the race. His words resonated deeply within the cycling community, as they reflected a common truth in the peloton: waiting for Pogacar to make his move is an exercise in futility. By the time he makes his move, he’s already gone. His rivals, it seems, are always just a moment behind, and it’s this ability to strike at the right moment, with perfect timing and unwavering strength, that separates him from the rest.

Pogacar’s Dominance and the Race’s Conclusion

As the final kilometers passed, it was clear that Pogacar was on a different level. Despite the relentless efforts of riders like Vermeersch and the occasional attack from others in the group, the Slovenian’s composure and power were unmatched. His tactical sense, combined with an unyielding belief in his own abilities, allowed him to cruise to a well-deserved victory. With every pedal stroke, he distanced himself further from his rivals.

Pogacar crossed the finish line with a massive gap, taking his second Strade Bianche title in dominant fashion. Vermeersch, exhausted but resolute, came in a few minutes later, having given everything in pursuit of an impossible chase. His performance, while admirable, served as a reminder of the brutal truth in modern cycling: when Pogacar decides to go, he’s often already too far ahead.

Reflections on Pogacar’s Growing Legacy

The victory in Strade Bianche 2025 further cemented Tadej Pogacar’s status as one of cycling’s greatest talents. With every race, his list of accomplishments grows, and his ability to win in different conditions—be it the mountains of the Tour de France or the gravel roads of Tuscany — highlights his versatility as a rider. For many, Pogacar’s rise represents a new era in cycling, where one rider dominates across a range of different disciplines.

But perhaps more significant is the psychological edge he holds over his competitors. As Gianni Vermeersch noted, many riders are now left in a waiting game, hoping to predict when Pogacar will make his move. Unfortunately for them, by the time they’ve figured it out, he’s already gone. It’s this relentless ability to dictate the race, control the tempo, and unleash devastating attacks that make Pogacar not just a champion but a nearly unbeatable force in the peloton.

In the end, the 2025 Strade Bianche was a testament to the enduring brilliance of Tadej Pogacar. As he continues to dominate on the World Tour, the question remains: who will be able to stop him — or, perhaps more importantly, will anyone be able to stop him at all?