Tadej Pogacar’s performance at the 2025 Strade Bianche was one of both triumph and personal reflection, as the Slovenian cycling star not only secured a thrilling victory but also openly admitted to his mistakes during the race. The 24-year-old’s journey through the iconic Tuscan gravel roads was anything but straightforward, featuring a dramatic crash, moments of tension, and a rare moment of self-criticism. After a chaotic and unpredictable series of events, Pogacar was able to recover from his mishap and power to victory, but not before offering a heartfelt apology to Tom Pidcock and an honest assessment of his performance.
A Day of Highs and Lows
As Strade Bianche began, fans of Pogacar were hoping for another dominant display from the Slovenian rider. However, things didn’t unfold in the way many had expected. With an early breakaway that included Connor Swift, Pogacar, Pidcock, and a handful of other riders, the tension gradually began to build as the race neared its climactic moments.
The 184-kilometer course, famous for its white gravel roads and punishing climbs, is a perfect setting for a rider like Pogacar. A versatile cyclist who can conquer steep climbs, battle through relentless cobbles, and sprint to victory, Pogacar appeared to have everything it took to secure a second Strade Bianche title. However, what followed was a series of events that would test the Slovenian’s resolve and put him under immense pressure.
A Perfectly Timed Solo Attack… That Almost Didn’t Happen
After an early breakaway was reeled in, Pogacar found himself locked in a small group alongside Tom Pidcock and Connor Swift as they entered the final 40 kilometers of the race. With the Colle Pinzuto climb on the horizon, it was widely expected that the eventual winner would launch their attack here, a brutal test of strength and strategy that often decides the outcome.
However, Pogacar did not launch a full-blown attack. Instead, he continued to ride in the wheel of the others, observing the moves of Pidcock and Swift. For a while, it appeared that Pogacar was biding his time—waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Yet, what unfolded on the Colle Pinzuto descent would take everyone by surprise. As Pogacar descended a particularly tricky corner, he misjudged his line and found himself flying off the road and into a ditch. The crash was a shock to both fans and competitors alike—Pogacar, renowned for his bike handling skills, had made a rare and costly error.
As Pogacar tumbled, it seemed that his chances of winning Strade Bianche were all but gone. But, in a remarkable display of resilience, Pogacar quickly got up, his jersey torn and his knee bloodied, showing the toughness that has made him one of the most formidable riders in the peloton. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Incredible Recovery and Final Push
Despite the crash, Pogacar’s resolve never wavered. With blood dripping from his knee and his confidence shaken, he rejoined Pidcock and Swift, who had been making their own moves. The Slovene displayed his usual poise, and after a few minutes of regaining his composure, he launched a brutal attack in the final 10 kilometers, powering away from the other two riders with remarkable strength.
His move was perfectly timed. Pidcock, who had been riding alongside Pogacar for much of the race, appeared to be struggling to match the Slovenian’s pace. Swift, too, was unable to stay with Pogacar as he surged ahead towards the finish line. Pogacar’s dominant push in the closing kilometers saw him surge ahead, crossing the line in a dramatic victory despite the earlier crash.
His celebration, however, was tempered by the events of the race. Rather than reveling in his success, Pogacar immediately showed humility, taking a moment to address his earlier mistake and reflect on his race.
Apologies and Self-Reflection
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from the often stoic Pogacar. In his post-race interview, he did not immediately bask in glory. Instead, he focused on his misjudgment and took responsibility for his actions during the race, particularly his crash.
“I want to say sorry to Tom [Pidcock],” Pogacar said, his face reflecting genuine regret. “I was riding a bit stupidly on that descent, and I took the wrong line. I misjudged the corner, and I ended up in a ditch. I know that Tom was right there with me, and I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for him to see me go down like that.”
The apology to Pidcock was an unexpected but powerful moment in the world of professional cycling, where such acts of sportsmanship are rare. Pidcock, who had been riding aggressively and looked set to challenge Pogacar for the win, appreciated the gesture, although he appeared somewhat perplexed by the crash itself. The two riders had exchanged brief words after the race, and it was clear that Pidcock, despite his own disappointment at coming up short, held no ill will towards the Slovenian.
“I can’t really explain what happened,” Pidcock said after the race. “It’s not often you see Pogacar make such a mistake. But he was strong after that, and credit to him for pushing on and winning.”
Pogacar, for his part, did not shy away from acknowledging the mistake he made in the race. In fact, he was quite blunt about his own performance.
“I was pretty sh*t on the descent,” he admitted with a self-deprecating chuckle. “I could have lost the race right there. I didn’t have the best control of the bike, and I paid for it. I’m just thankful I could get back up and try again. But it wasn’t the smartest move, and I know I need to work on that.”
The candidness with which Pogacar spoke about his crash and the less-than-perfect moments during the race reflected a level of self-awareness that is rare in a rider of his caliber. For someone who has so often been the model of dominance in races, this kind of self-criticism was striking.
A Victory With a Difference
While Pogacar’s victory at Strade Bianche was hard-fought and well-earned, it was the human side of the race that captured the attention of many. Pogacar’s willingness to admit to his mistakes, offer an apology to his competitor, and critically assess his own performance made this win feel different from his usual triumphs. Rather than a race won by pure dominance, this was a victory that showcased Pogacar’s resilience, sportsmanship, and the mental fortitude required to overcome adversity.
At just 24 years old, Pogacar has already won multiple Grand Tours and cemented his legacy as one of the best riders of his generation. But as he demonstrated at Strade Bianche, even the best are not immune to mistakes, and it is how they recover from those mistakes that truly defines their greatness.
“I think this win means more to me than the others,” Pogacar said. “I didn’t win it by just being the strongest. I had to fight through a lot, physically and mentally. I learned a lot about myself today. It’s not just about winning—it’s about how you handle everything that comes with it.”
For Pogacar, Strade Bianche may have unfolded in an unexpected way, but the result was unmistakably his. Despite the crash, the mishaps, and the moments of uncertainty, Pogacar proved that his true strength lies not only in his ability to ride a bike faster than anyone else, but also in his ability to learn, grow, and reflect—qualities that will undoubtedly continue to fuel his success in the years to come.
