Former world champion backs Tom Pidcock to challenge Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche: "He has the technical qualities to tackle the dirt sectors"

By all accounts, Tadej Pogacar will start as the heavy, pre-race favourite at Strade Bianche this weekend. The world champion won't be the only rider dreaming of glory on the Tuscan gravel however, and in the opinion of former world champion Alessandro Ballan, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team's Tom Pidcock could be best placed to challenge the Slovenian.

"Looking at the start list carefully, I have to say that there aren’t that many (credible challengers ed.)," Ballan, the Rainbow Jersey winner at the 2008 World Championships in Varese, previews in conversation with Bici.Pro. "However, I have identified two names in particular: Tom Pidcock and Marc Hirschi. Two who can go well on this route, who are suited to the classics."

Pidcock in particular has a proven track record at the race, having won Strade Bianche back in 2023. This experience of knowing what it takes to get the job done could prove vital for the Brit according to Ballan. "We also know that he has the technical qualities to tackle the dirt sectors at his best," Ballan notes. "He has great ease of riding. And then he is fine. The two victories, the new team... He is certainly one of the great rivals. If the tactical trend of last year were to occur, with Pogacar attacking on the descent of Monte Sante Marie, he could prove dangerous and follow Tadej. Then it is clear that everything depends on Pogacar."

As mentioned though, Pidcock isn't the only rider that Ballan could see potentially giving Pogacar cause for concern this weekend. Marc Hirschi, former teammate of Pogacar at UAE Team Emirates - XRG is also a viable threat according to the now-45-year-old Italian. "Because he has experience and can be an uncomfortable customer in the most tense and tough finals. He is also an athlete suited to these races," Ballan explains his opinion of the Tudor Pro Cycling Team leader. "Last year he showed great things, he obtained numerous victories, some even important ones. So he would have the qualities to be at the front."

The truth is though, that if the world champion is at the startline with good legs, then for anyone, being able to even compete with Pogacar this weekend is going to be a difficult ask, let alone winning. "The reality is that Pogacar is there and he wants to win. In the end, everything depends on his condition," Ballan acknowledges. "When he is at the start, the outcome is almost a foregone conclusion, unless we are talking about a Grand Tour where there are other riders like Jonas Vingegaard as his rivals."