Tadej Pogačar’s victory at Milan-San Remo on Saturday was already being hailed as a masterclass, a display of relentless power and tactical brilliance. But the story behind the 25-year-old Slovenian’s triumph has taken an extraordinary turn: he crossed the finish line in Sanremo riding a bike with a cracked frame. The revelation, first reported by Slovenian newspaper Delo, adds another layer of incredulity to a race already brimming with drama and a stunning sprint finish.
The damage occurred during a crash ahead of the Cipressa, a key climb roughly 30 kilometers from the finish. While Pogačar remounted and impressively rejoined the peloton, seemingly undeterred, his UAE Team Emirates mechanic, Boštjan Kavčnik, revealed the extent of the damage. “The rear fork was damaged, but fortunately it didn’t approach loose,” Kavčnik told Delo, as translated by Cyclingnews. The incident raises questions about the risks riders take and the incredible resilience required to compete at the highest level of professional cycling.
A Crack in the Frame, A Record on the Cipressa
The Cipressa is known as a race-defining climb, and Pogačar’s performance on it was already remarkable. He attacked with a ferocity that few could match, setting a blistering pace that distanced many of his rivals. Now, performance was achieved despite significant mechanical disadvantage. Kavčnik suggested that Pogačar was fortunate the frame held together long enough to reach the finish. “If Tadej had known what condition the bike was in, he wouldn’t have been descending so uncompromisingly that even Tom Pidcock had a hard time following him,” he said.
The compromised frame wasn’t the only issue Pogačar battled. According to Kavčnik, the crash also caused the bike’s disc brake to rub against the brake surface, creating friction and costing him valuable watts. Which means Pogačar’s record time on the Cipressa, and ultimately his winning move on the Poggio, were accomplished while fighting both a damaged frame and reduced braking efficiency. Milan-San Remo is a notoriously difficult race, and Pogačar’s ability to overcome these obstacles is a testament to his exceptional talent and determination.
Mechanical Challenges and Quick Thinking
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Pogačar’s Shimano Di2 electronic gear system was thrown into “crash mode” during the fall, locking him into a single gear. He was seen laboring to regain control, spinning the pedals to free the mechanism. Kavčnik explained that Pogačar managed to reset the system himself while on the move, avoiding a potentially costly bike change. “Tadej crashed onto the left side [of the bike], which has no gearshift, but the crash mode was still activated in the event of a fall. Tadej put it back into gear himself, he didn’t feel anything else was wrong, so we didn’t change the bike,” Kavčnik stated.
The team’s decision to stick with the damaged bike is a point of interest. Pogačar had opted for a 1x drivetrain – a single chainring setup – to save weight and improve aerodynamics. This meant he didn’t have a spare derailleur readily available. He also chose narrower 28mm tires, deviating from the wider tire trend in professional cycling. These choices, while potentially offering marginal gains, limited his options when faced with mechanical issues.
A Bike for the Collection
The story of Pogačar’s victory has resonated throughout the cycling world, highlighting the often-unseen challenges faced by professional riders. The fact that he was able to overcome a cracked frame, a malfunctioning gear system, and brake rub to win one of cycling’s most prestigious races is nothing short of remarkable. Kavčnik confirmed that the damaged bike will be preserved as a memento of this extraordinary achievement. “This bike is now going into Tadej’s special collection, even though it’s damaged,” he said.
Pogačar’s win marks his second victory at Milan-San Remo, adding to his already impressive palmarès, which includes two Tour de France titles. His aggressive riding style and willingness to take risks have quickly made him one of the most popular and exciting riders in the sport. This latest triumph, achieved under such challenging circumstances, only solidifies his reputation as a true champion.
The UAE Team Emirates team will now turn their attention to upcoming races, including the Volta a Catalunya, where Pogačar is expected to compete. The team will undoubtedly conduct a thorough review of the incident to understand how the frame cracked and to prevent similar issues in the future. Official updates regarding the team’s findings and Pogačar’s preparation for future events can be found on the UAE Team Emirates website.
What do you think about Pogačar’s incredible ride? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this story with fellow cycling fans.
