Exclusive: Nathan van Hooydonck tips ‘killer’ Tadej Pogacar and Tom Pidcock for Strade Bianche battle

Pogacar is making his highly anticipated maiden appearance of the season in Tuscany in a race he has fond memories of having claimed victory in 2022.

He skipped it last year in favour of Paris-Nice and hasn’t competed since Il Lombardia in October 2023 as he bids to continue his remarkable streak.

While form at this time of year is often a bit of an unknown, the Slovenian superstar has a perfect record of winning every one of his season-opening races since he turned pro in 2019.

Van Hooydonck, who is enjoying the “quiet” of retirement, told Eurosport in an exclusive interview there is no reason to believe Pogacar won’t add a second Strade Bianche title to his roll of honour and kick-start his campaign in style.

“With Pogacar you never know but I think even if he is not in good shape, you won’t know until deep in the final because even with not great legs or if he is not in great shape yet because he’s building up towards the Giro, I think he can already ride a final because he’s such a talented and strong rider,” the Dutchman said.

“But I expect him to be in decent shape straight away because he’s a winner and he’s a killer and that’s what he does.”

Given his prowess on the gravel sectors, the 2024 route, which has been extended to over 200km, is likely to play to Pogacar’s strengths.

Having said that, write off defending champion Pidcock at your peril.

The 24-year-old’s stunning solo effort last year saw him become the first male British rider to triumph on the white Tuscan roads.

“I don’t really know Tom personally. We’ve raced each other a few times but I think with Tom it’s the same story. For me he’s within the six, seven best riders in the world,” Van Hooydonck added.

“Looking at this opening weekend it wasn’t too great but also last year in the opening weekend he didn’t perform on his level and yet he won Strade Bianche with a 25-30 kilometre solo.

“I think that’s quite impressive.”

As for the battle behind, the former Visma-Lease a Bike rider expects the final podium spot to be hotly contested.

The likes of Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal-Quick Step), Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike), Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), Simon Yates (Jayco AIUla), Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPort) will all be in action, making for a fascinating race live on Eurosport 2 from 12pm UK time.

“If I look at the start there are two big favourites: Pidcock and Pogacar for sure. The battle for the win is going to be between INEOS and UAE and looking at the team of INEOS they’ve brought their A-game,” Van Hooydonck continued.

“But then behind them you have maybe a group of 10 or 15 riders you can name to fight for third spot on the podium, so I’m excited.”

You can hear more from Van Hooydonck during coverage of the men’s and women’s Strade Bianche races, with the 28-year-old set to make his debut on The Breakaway.