Tadej Pogacar urged not to ride Paris-Roubaix by Mauro Gianetti after Strade Bianche crash - 'He could really get hurt'

Tadej Pogacar has been urged to take more time out to recover after his crash at Strade Bianche. UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Mauro Gianetti hopes Pogacar will prioritise his recovery, as he heads closer towards the Tour de France. The 26-year-old will not ride at Tirreno–Adriatico, with his focus now on Milano-San Remo, which takes place on March 22.

'I went too fast' – Pogacar on dramatic crash at Strade Bianche before stunning comeback

Video credit: TNT Sports

Tadej Pogacar has been warned not to compete at Paris-Roubaix this year by UAE Team Emirates-XRG manager Mauro Gianetti, following his crash and victory at Strade Bianche.

The Slovenian has spoken of his desire to ride in the Monument in northern France, and fuel was added to the fire when he reconned sections of the course.

A decision was widely expected to be made after riding Milano-San Remo on March 22. Gianetti is unhappy about the prospect after Pogacar's crash on Saturday.

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Gianetti believes the risks are too great as the build-up continues towards his defence of the Tour de France, which starts on July 5.

"Tadej could have fractured a collarbone and been seriously hurt. He banged his head, but fortunately, he was on the grass. He was full of road rash, but it could have been a lot worse," said Gianetti in quotes published by Cyclingnews.

"Tadej wants to give Roubaix a go, but I keep telling him that he needs to wait before doing it, to not take risks, because he could really get hurt.

"A bad crash could jeopardise the Tour de France and maybe even the whole season. I hope that he doesn’t do it this year, and I’ll tell him once again: there is still time in his career for him to ride Paris-Roubaix."

Highlights: Bloodied Pogacar wins second straight Strade Bianche

Video credit: TNT Sports

Pogacar emerged victorious in Siena despite the crash, as he lost control of his bike with 50km of the race remaining.

He still managed to dust himself down and win the race for a second year running, and his third overall.

The final stages of the race will also be remembered for an act of sportsmanship by Tom Pidcock, who was battling for victory with Pogacar.

The Brit elected to slow down and wait for his rival to return to the front of race, as Pogacar would go on and claim victory at Siena's Piazza del Campo.

Milano-San Remo is his next target, with Pogacar not in line to compete at Tirreno-Adriatico which begins on March 10.

"There are two weeks for Tadej to recover and reset. Milan-San Remo is the next big challenge for us and for Tadej," added Gianetti.