Tadej Pogacar said in the press conference: “I had an unfortunate crash with 100km to go. There were huge crosswinds and a downhill. I hope no one is injured. For me, it was just scratches and my handlebar made a 90° twist. I didn’t really plan my attack but Monte Sante Maria is always the most important point of the race. I expected riders to come along but nobody did so I had no choice other than to commit 100% to reaching the finishing line solo. I suffered a lot in the last 40 to 50 kilometres. There were moments in which I was thinking that my legs would explode and I’d walk to the finish. I had no time for sightseeing for sure. I won because I had no pressure from my team for this race and I don’t really care about the pressure from the outside world.”
Alejandro Valverde, second, said: “Second behind Pogacar, it’s like a victory. I’m very happy, after the day that it’s been. I had a crash and it took me a long time to get back on a bike. It’s been difficult but the team was phenomenal and it’s a great result to come second. I saw Pogacar attacking. I was in about tenth position in the group but no one managed to go with him. I never thought we’d catch him. He was on a regular rhythm and there was nothing more we could do.”
Kasper Asgreen, third, said: “Obviously, Julian Alaphilippe’s crash occurred at a very bad moment. The team did a fantastic job to bring him back. Unfortunately he paid the price and couldn’t take part in the finale. After I passed the two steep sectors, I knew it would be more like my terrain until the finishing line. I have always thought Strade Bianche is a beautiful race. It’s my third time here. Unfortunately, the first two times didn’t go so well. I was super motivated this year to show that it’s a race I can perform in. To finish on the podium is a good first step. It gives me motivation for the future to come back and win it.”
