The highly anticipated cycling season is finally underway, but for some, the wait has been longer than expected. The star rider Tadej Pogacar is set to make his 2026 debut this Saturday at the iconic Strade Bianche, a race where he's already carved out a legendary status.
But here's where it gets interesting: While the cycling world has been buzzing with early season races, several prominent figures, including Pogacar, have been conspicuously absent. For these athletes, the countdown to their first race of the year is reaching its climax, and for the Slovenian sensation, that moment arrives on March 7th at the Strade Bianche. This gravel classic holds a special place in Pogacar's career, as he's triumphed there an impressive three times – in 2022, 2024, and 2025. This remarkable achievement has even led to a sector of the race, the Pinzuto Glue, being named in his honor, a testament to his dominance. It's a feat that echoes the past achievements of Fabian Cancellara, another cycling legend who also boasts a hat-trick of victories at the Strade Bianche, with the Mount Sante Marie sector dedicated to him.
Pogacar, the captain of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, will be joined by a formidable teammate, Isaac Del Toro, who is also making his season debut. This dynamic duo is expected to be a recurring force throughout the season, competing in both one-day races and the grueling Tour de France 2026.
Pogacar's Excitement for His Season Opener
When asked about his upcoming debut, Pogacar expressed his eagerness: "The Strade Bianche is a race that has left me with unforgettable memories. My record there is quite good, and I hope to be in a good position again on Saturday. We expect strong opponents; the entry list is always high-level in these big races, and that should make things exciting for the fans. It's my first race of the season, and I hope to start well. So far," he added, "I've been cheering from the couch, so I'm excited to get back in the game and finally race. The team is going through a positive period, with many victories already, and we hope to continue like this in the upcoming races."
A Season of Setbacks for UAE Team Emirates-XRG
While UAE Team Emirates-XRG has been celebrating numerous victories, the season hasn't been without its challenges. Like many teams, they've faced significant injuries to key riders. Jay Vine was an early casualty, suffering a fall during the Tour Down Under 2026, though he remarkably managed to win the race despite a broken wrist. More recently, Tim Wellens experienced a serious crash at the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 2026, resulting in a fractured clavicle. And this is the part most people miss: Wellens' injury means his entire Classics campaign for 2026 is over before it truly began.
Wellens shared his disappointment: "The Classics are over before they even started. I fractured my right collarbone. The surgery went well thanks to the excellent medical team at the hospital, and the recovery process has already begun. I'm very disappointed to have to miss the upcoming races, but I will fully support my teammates from home. Thank you all for the messages: I might be responding a little more slowly with only one arm at the moment."
A Question for the Cycling Enthusiasts:
With Pogacar returning to a race he dominates and facing tough competition, and considering the unfortunate injuries within his team, what are your predictions for his performance at the Strade Bianche? Do you believe he can secure a fourth victory, or will the challenges present a tougher test than usual? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
