Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates-XRG look to defend Strade Bianche Title

• Stellar UAE Team Emirates-XRG line up in pursuit of third Strade Bianche win
• World Champion Tadej Pogačar looks to repeat heroics of 2024

News | Team – 6th March 2025

UAE Team Emirates-XRG arrive at Strade Bianche fresh off a triumphant victory at the UAE Tour, eager to carry their winning momentum into Italy. World Champion Tadej Pogačar will lead a formidable squad as he turns his attention to the classics following a commanding performance on home soil.

Known as the “Race of the White Roads”, the graveled roads of Italy will test the Pelton to their limits. The race has never failed to deliver unforgettable performances for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Superstar Slovenian Tadej Pogačar will look to add to his two wins at the race as he homes in on 100 careers wins.

Pogačar is no stranger to the demands of the Italian classics, with the World Champion often thriving in such monumental challenges. In 2024, Pogačar stunned the world with one of the most memorable performances ever seen in professional cycling. Declaring to his rivals where he would attack, he was true to his word, making his move on the famous Monte Santa Marie. Embarking on an 81KM solo journey, Pogačar conquered the course and left his rivals in his wake as he seized the 2024 crown. 

Tadej Pogačar: “Strade is a race where I have some great memories. My track record there is pretty good, and I hope to be up at the pointy end of the action again on Saturday. We can expect some strong rivals – the startlist is always on a high level for these big races and it should make things exciting both for us and for the fans.

It was good to get the season started in UAE, winning made it even better obviously. The team is on a good wave at the moment with many wins already and we’ll hope to continue that over the next races.”

The race itself will see the riders race over 81.7KM of unpaved gravel roads. The Montalcino climb at 64KM will mark the first major test, where positioning in the Peloton will be key. Four more graveled sectors will lead to the all-new 9.3KM stretch at Serravalle, before all eyes will be on Tadej Pogačar as the race reaches the brutal Monte Sante Maria. The race will unfold on the final climbs of the Colle Pinzuto and the all new Strada del Catagno before the dramatic finish on the steep climb to Piazza del Dampo in Siena will see the 2025 victor crowned.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Tadej Pogačar will aim to build on their impressive start to the season, setting their sights on conquering the challenging Tuscan dirt roads once again. The team will be focused on defending their Strade Biance title as they look to continue their formidable start to 2025.