Tadej Pogacar starts season at Clasica Jaén Paraiso Interior

Tadej Pogacar will, as usual, have his first big outing of the season at the UAE Tour where he will seek a victory. However, it is very likely that the Slovenian will start his season in Europe this year with the gravel-filled Clasica Jaén Paraiso Interior.

The race, set to take place in the 14th of February, features a large quantity of non-paved roads, a perfect warm-up for Strade Bianche in which Pogacar will be attempting to defend his title weeks later. According to Gazzetta dello Sport it is very possible that the former Tour de France champion has taken interest on the one-day race.

The 2022 edition, the first of the race, has proved a success. Alexey Lutsenko took a strong solo win in the hills of Andalucia after proving to be the strongest in the uphill and gravel sectors. He beat Tim Wellens and Loic Vliegen to the win.