"Will it be me versus the rest? That has been the case for years" - Tadej Pogacar in good spirits ahead of Strade Bianche

Tadej Pogacar is the main favourite for today's Strade Bianche and also the headliner of the event. Starting his season here, the form is relatively unknown, but he leads UAE Team Emirates in a bid to win the race that he conquered as well back in 2022.

"I am very motivated and looking forward to it. It's going to be an interesting day. I can't wait to get to the finish line soon," he told In de Leiderstrui at the start line in Siena. "I think I'm ready for it, although I still have to see how my legs are. Only then can we say whether the approach was successful and whether I emerged from the winter and the preparation on good legs."

With Tim Wellens, Isaac Del Toro and Jan Christen as secondary cards to play, the team is stacked with numbers into the key gravel sectors. However the team has clearly said that the Slovenian is the leader and man to protect - but in a race like this, anything can happen and the race can break apart very soon. "It is the most difficult stretch, but due to the changed course it is still a long way to the finish. But as we have often seen, the race can start to break out very early," he is aware of. 

"Strade Bianche is one of my favorite races. So it is very nice to be able to start my season here. So I can't say much about my form. Let's wait until after the race, but I am pleased with the preparations that have been made," Pogacar shares. "Hopefully they are also competition legs. Will it be me versus the rest? That has been the case for years. Just kidding! It will be an open competition. I don't necessarily think everyone will be watching me, as I haven't ridden any races yet this season."