Marc Hirschi knows he'll need a bit of luck to beat Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche: "You never know what can happen... that's the biggest danger"

Strade Bianche is the next big item on this season's menu. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar will be the man to beat. Marc Hirschi hopes to go down in history as the one who ends the reign of his former teammate.

Hirschi changed outfits ahead of this season after three years with UAE Team Emirates. He was given plenty opportunities there, but he still worked mostly in Pogacar's shadow. Now as a rider of Tudor Pro Cycling, he'll have (almost) full leadership: "That feels really good," the Swiss rider told CyclingProNet. "I really like this race. It is one of the most beautiful races of the year. I am very happy to be here."

Organizers again slightly altered the course compared to previous edition, but Hirschi doesn't expect it to have influence on the race as whole. "It's a bit different on the gravel section. I think that you really have to be in a good position on time. I also think that it's very difficult to get back if you get a flat tire. I don't think it will change anything for the final, but you do have to be a bit more up front," he points out.

Favorite Tadej Pogacar already has three victories under his 2025 tally. Now he's coming for his fourth. "He is super strong. You also just need a bit of luck. In this race, you can easily get a flat tire or crash. So many things can happen. So you never know what can happen. I think that is the biggest risk for him."

Can Hirschi beat Pogacar in a one-on-one duel? "That will be difficult," the Swissman answers with a smile. He then once again reminds that the race dynamics at Strade Bianche are quite peculiar. "In the first phase it is very important to stay out of trouble. If you already have trouble there, you have to spend a lot of energy. Then it will be a very long race."

Of course, he does not consider himself completely hopeless. "If a lot of groups have formed in the final, it can become very interesting tactically. Then you really have to believe in it, because then anything can happen."