Pogačar Wins Milan-San Remo Despite Damaged Bike

Tadej Pogačar’s Milan-San Remo victory was already extraordinary, but it has emerged that he rode to victory on a damaged bike.

Cracked Frame Didn’t Deter Champion

According to UAE Team Emirates-XRG mechanic Boštjan Kavčnik, Pogačar’s bike sustained damage during a crash before the Cipressa climb. The rear fork was damaged, but fortunately it didn’t come loose, Kavčnik is quoted as saying.

The exact location of the crack isn’t yet clear, but it’s believed to be in the rear triangle – either the seat stay or chain stay, or where they meet at the dropout – on the left side of the bike, the side impacted in the crash. Cyclingnews has contacted the team for further clarification.

Riding on the Edge

Kavčnik indicated Pogačar was fortunate the damage wasn’t more severe. 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 stated.

The damaged frame also presented another challenge: His frame broke in the fall, and the disc rubbed against the brake surface, Kavčnik added, suggesting the bike was slowing Pogačar down.

Mechanical Challenges Overcome

Beyond the cracked frame, Pogačar also faced a separate mechanical issue. His Shimano Di2 rear derailleur went into crash mode, locking him in gear. He was able to reset the system himself while riding by activating the junction box.

Pogačar also opted for a 1x setup and narrower 28mm tires compared to last year’s race, potentially seeking marginal gains in weight and aerodynamics.

Kavčnik confirmed the bike will be preserved as a memento. This bike is now going into Tadej’s special collection, even though it’s damaged, he said.

FAQ

Pogačar’s victory, achieved despite significant mechanical setbacks, underscores his exceptional talent and determination. It’s a testament to his ability to perform at the highest level even under challenging circumstances.