Tadej Pogacar bloodied in Strade Bianche crash but fights back as Tom Pidcock waits - 'A wounded animal'
Updated 08/03/2025 at 15:38 GMT
Tadej Pogacar’s Strade Bianche hopes took a hit – literally – when he misjudged a descent and crashed into a hedge at Strade Bianche. The Slovenian remounted, switched bikes, and set off in pursuit of Tom Pidcock, who had escaped unscathed. Despite a 30-second gap, Pidcock opted to wait, allowing Pogacar to regain contact. The duo had earlier attacked with 79km to go, joined by Connor Swift.
Pogacar bounces into hedge in dramatic crash, Pidcock stays up
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) flew into a hedge in a dramatic crash at Strade Bianche as Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) swerved the trouble before waiting for the wounded Slovenian at the front.
Pogacar was pushing the pace on a technical descent when he overcooked a corner with 49km remaining, sending him careering to the tarmac and bouncing off the road into some shrubbery.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a race on our hands," said Rob Hatch on TNT Sports commentary.
"Pogacar is still ahead of the chasers but he is behind Tom Pidcock. He is hurt, he is injured, he is a wounded animal."
The three-time Tour de France champion quickly jumped up, retrieved his bike and set off in pursuit of Pidcock, only to immediately notice an issue and request a bike change from his UAE crew.
The damage was significant scrapes to his left arm and leg, plus a 30-second deficit to Pidcock. But despite initially ploughing on, Pidcock elected to coast and allow the pre-race favourite to join him at the front.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
"I don't mind this, I think it is the right thing to do," said 12-time Tour de France stage winner Robbie McEwen.
"I'm with Robbie here," agreed Adam Blythe. "I don't mind that he is waiting for him, a show of gentlemanly respect to him, but don't take it that easy. Make Pogacar work a little bit."
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The pair had first got away from the pack after trading attacks with 79km to go, with Pidcock clinging to Pogacar's wheel. They were soon joined by Connor Swift (Ineos Grenadiers), who was then distanced after Pogacar crashed, despite staying upright.
"With Tom Pidcock pushing him, making him feel a little bit nervous, we now have a very exciting race on our hands," said Blythe.
"We also have a very angry, maybe not so hurt Tadej Pogacar."
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