"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
Cycling
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."
Swift on the attack and in the break
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."
Leaving it all out there 🪫
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) March 8, 2025
13th for @SwiftConnor after a full day off the front at #StradeBianche 👊 pic.twitter.com/6smVG68mRM
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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leedorney09-03-20253
What a ride! 💪
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leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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