"I don't know why I'm a bit emotional" - Connor Swift stars for INEOS in 'crazy' situation with Tadej Pogacar & Tom Pidcock at Strade Bianche 2025

After the big attacks launched at Strade Bianche 2025, three riders powered clear of the field. Two of those were genuine cycling superstars Tadej Pogacar and Tom Pidcock. The third man? INEOS Grenadiers' 29-year-old British powerhouse, Connor Swift.

"Hard race. I always kept on trying," reflects Swift in comments released post-race to the INEOS Grenadiers team's official website. "The plan was for me to be in front for Kwiato. Then I found myself in that situation with Pogacar and Pidcock and those guys, it's crazy how fast they can ride, even just descending."

Although at that point Swift looked good fort he podium, a big moment came at 50km to go when Pogacar slid out, slowing up the INEOS man in the process. Whilst the world champion managed to get back to Pidcock shortly after, Swift's day at the front was done. "Then Pogacar crashed and just trying to stay on his wheel, phenomenal," he comments. "I made it hard for myself being in the breakaway from the start. I'm proud of my performance. I'm feeling pretty strong at the minute. We're trying to win races and race aggressively, and we achieved that today. I was the back-up option to be the support rider and I found myself fighting for my own opportunity."

Eventually coming home in 13th place, over five and a half minutes down on the eventual race-winner Pogacar, Swift's performance left him with plenty to be positive about and even a bit teary-eyed afterwards. "I don't know why I'm a bit emotional," he concludes his review. "I was on my knees, just going from group to group, trying to hang on. I like a bit of gravel so that keeps the motivation going. People have punctures, people have crashes, you can always come from behind, so you never stop believing."