As the 2025 edition of the Strade Bianche approaches this Saturday, all eyes in the cycling world are on Tadej Pogačar, with many experts and competitors already conceding that the Slovenian powerhouse is the man to beat. Among the many riders lining up for the prestigious race, Pogačar’s dominance is becoming increasingly apparent, and according to his fellow professional, Alberto Bettiol, there is little anyone can do to dethrone him—at least not at this point.
A Rising Star
Pogačar has already cemented himself as one of the sport’s most formidable riders, with victories in some of cycling’s most renowned races, including two editions of the Tour de France. His unparalleled talent has left competitors in awe, and his winning mentality seems to know no bounds. As he heads into Strade Bianche, the 2024 World Champion is the overwhelming favorite to take home another iconic win, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most dynamic and versatile athletes.
“I don’t know what we can do,” said Bettiol, a rider who himself has claimed major victories, most notably winning the 2019 Tour of Flanders. “Pogačar is almost impossible to beat right now. He’s at another level. His form, his mentality—it’s like he’s just in his own world. All we can do is try our best and hope he has an off day. But frankly, it’s hard to imagine that happening.”
Pogačar’s Dominance: What Makes Him Unbeatable?
Tadej Pogačar’s success can be attributed to an array of factors that place him far above his rivals. His versatility is perhaps the most striking attribute, as he consistently excels in both mountain stages and one-day classics, a rare combination that sets him apart from many of his peers. Pogačar’s ability to thrive in a range of conditions—whether it’s the brutal climbs of the Tour de France or the punishing dirt roads of Strade Bianche—gives him a tactical advantage that few can match.
In addition to his adaptability, Pogačar’s strength in time trials, his impressive sprinting ability, and his savvy tactical mind make him a complete rider, capable of excelling in any situation. Where other riders may falter, Pogačar tends to rise to the occasion. His ability to read the race and anticipate moves has made him nearly impossible to outsmart, and his consistency in high-stress moments ensures that he is always in contention for victory.
With such a comprehensive skillset, it’s no surprise that Bettiol and other riders acknowledge the difficulty in challenging Pogačar. When asked about the Slovenian’s form ahead of Strade Bianche, Bettiol admitted that Pogačar’s current level of performance has set a new benchmark for cycling.
Strade Bianche: A Race That Plays to Pogačar’s Strengths
While Strade Bianche is known for its unpredictable nature, featuring a mixture of challenging gravel roads and technical descents, it is a race that aligns perfectly with Pogačar’s strengths. The event is often considered a hybrid between a classic one-day race and a stage race, featuring terrain that requires not only strong endurance but also tactical intelligence.
The gravel roads, often covered with dust, dirt, and ruts, demand exceptional bike-handling skills. Riders must also be able to endure the relentless rhythm of the race, with constant accelerations on every hill and a relentless pace that forces the peloton to splinter over the course of the day. It’s a style of racing that Pogačar has demonstrated time and time again he can handle with ease.
Pogačar’s recent form has only solidified his place as the pre-race favorite. He’s coming off a commanding victory at the UAE Tour and looked strong at several other early-season races, including the Tour of Oman. His recent triumphs have showcased his ability to not only manage the pressure but to dictate the pace, a skill that is particularly crucial in a race like Strade Bianche, where early moves can often set the tone for the entire day.
Bettiol’s Insights: A Fierce Competitor Acknowledges the Master
Alberto Bettiol, while perhaps one of the few riders who has the tools to challenge Pogačar on a good day, knows how difficult the task will be. As a rider with a keen sense for tactics and an ability to strike at just the right moment, Bettiol is no stranger to big wins. His victory in the 2019 Tour of Flanders proved his capability in the hardest of conditions, and he has consistently performed in the spring classics.
Despite his successes, Bettiol openly admits that Pogačar’s dominance is on another level. “It’s frustrating because I know how much work goes into preparing for these races,” he said. “You train for months, pour everything into your preparation, and then you realize that, no matter how hard you push, someone like Pogačar can come along and do everything you can do—and more.”
Bettiol’s admission speaks volumes about the respect Pogačar has earned among his fellow professionals. For many, the Slovenian is no longer just a rival to be beaten; he has become a standard to measure oneself against. That said, Bettiol and others are still determined to give it their all, even if it seems an uphill battle.
“It’s not like we’re going to just give up,” Bettiol continued. “We will fight to the end, but the reality is that beating Pogačar is almost impossible right now.”
Strade Bianche: An Open Opportunity for Drama
Despite Bettiol’s rather bleak outlook on the competition, Strade Bianche has historically proven to be a race full of surprises. In previous editions, the unpredictable nature of the gravel roads and the often changing weather conditions have created opportunities for unexpected performances. While Pogačar may be the favorite, there are still many factors that can influence the outcome of the race.
Riders like Bettiol, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert—each of whom possesses immense talent—are sure to push Pogačar to the limit. Though they might not be considered the top favorites, their ability to perform in the toughest conditions means they are more than capable of challenging for the win. Bettiol himself has expressed his desire to make the most of any opportunity, even if it means taking risks or attacking early in the race.
For the fans, this creates a tantalizing spectacle. The likelihood of Pogačar dominating the race is high, but the beauty of Strade Bianche lies in its unpredictability. Every corner, every gravel sector, and every uphill stretch offers an opportunity for drama, and with riders like Pogačar and Bettiol pushing themselves to their limits, the race is sure to offer plenty of entertainment.
The Future of Cycling: Pogačar’s Era?
As the race continues to evolve, and new challengers emerge from the peloton, one thing seems clear: Tadej Pogačar is on a path to redefine what it means to be a dominant figure in modern cycling. With each victory and each race he participates in, he continues to solidify his place among the greatest riders in history.
Bettiol’s acknowledgment of Pogačar’s dominance reflects a wider sentiment shared by many in the cycling world. While there are undoubtedly riders who will continue to challenge Pogačar for supremacy, the Slovenian’s consistency and sheer talent suggest that we may be witnessing the beginning of an era dominated by one of cycling’s finest.
So, as the dust settles on the gravel roads of Strade Bianche this Saturday, there’s little doubt that Tadej Pogačar will be the man to watch. And as Bettiol and the rest of the peloton will no doubt admit, the chance of beating him might seem like a long shot—an almost impossible feat.
But then again, in cycling, as in life, anything can happen. And that’s what makes races like Strade Bianche so exhilarating to watch. The battle for second place might already be underway, but for Pogačar, the first place might just be his once again.
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