Pogacar Breaks Cipressa Record in Milan-Sanremo Prep | Strade Bianche Preview
Tadej Pogačar has sent a clear signal to his rivals ahead of the Strade Bianche, and with Milan-San Remo looming on the horizon. The Slovenian superstar recorded an unofficial, yet stunning, Strava time on the iconic Cipressa climb during a training ride on Tuesday, obliterating his previous best and setting a new benchmark that has the cycling world taking notice.
Pogačar, who will begin his season this Saturday at Strade Bianche – a race he’s already won three times – used the training ride as a reconnaissance mission for Milan-San Remo. While he didn’t officially publish the ride data to Strava, segments were recorded, revealing the extent of his current form. The most striking result came on the Cipressa, a grueling 5.58km climb with an average gradient of 4.2%. Pogačar conquered the ascent in a blistering 8 minutes and 51 seconds, shaving seven seconds off his previous personal best.
The significance of this performance extends beyond a personal record. The Cipressa is a pivotal section of Milan-San Remo, often serving as the launchpad for winning attacks. To not only conquer the climb but to do so with such a significant improvement in time suggests Pogačar is entering peak condition at precisely the right moment. The timing is particularly noteworthy given the recent reports of a shortened Strade Bianche course for , potentially shifting the focus of early-season preparation even more towards the Italian classics.
The question now becomes: how will his competitors respond? The Cipressa time has already sparked debate amongst cycling analysts, with some questioning whether Pogačar’s performance surpassed even his efforts alongside Mathieu van der Poel. While comparisons to previous rides are valuable, the context of training versus racing is crucial. A training ride allows for focused effort on specific segments, free from the tactical complexities and energy expenditure of a full race. However, the sheer magnitude of the improvement is undeniable.
Pogačar’s dominance in recent years has established him as a force to be reckoned with across a variety of terrains. His victories at the Tour de France, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia demonstrate his versatility and tactical acumen. However, Milan-San Remo has proven to be a particularly elusive target. A strong performance on the Cipressa is a critical component of success in the “Primavera,” and Pogačar’s latest display suggests he is determined to finally add this prestigious monument to his palmarès.
The shortened Strade Bianche course adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming weekend. While Pogačar remains the clear favorite, the altered route could create opportunities for surprise attacks and disrupt the established order. His team’s strategy will be key, and the presence of teammate Florian Vermeersch will likely be crucial in controlling the pace and protecting Pogačar in the crucial stages of the race.
Beyond the immediate challenges of Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, Pogačar’s form raises broader questions about his long-term ambitions. He recently dismissed rumors of an early retirement, stating he has no plans to leave the sport before . This commitment suggests he is focused on building a sustained period of success, and his current trajectory indicates he is well on his way to achieving that goal.
The cycling world will be watching closely as Pogačar embarks on his season this Saturday. The Cipressa time serves as a potent statement of intent, and his rivals will undoubtedly be bracing themselves for a formidable challenge. Whether he can translate this training form into race-winning performances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Tadej Pogačar is a rider in peak condition and a force to be reckoned with.