Pogačar returns to lead squad for Strade Bianche

UAE Team Emirates will aim to continue their strong start to the 2024 campaign as Tadej Pogačar begins his season on the white Tuscan roads of Siena at Strade Bianche (2 March) in Italy.

Pogačar leads strong outfit for what will be his season debut for the Emirati team which holds 10 victories to its name already.

Strade Bianche [1.UWT] – 02-Mar-2024

Filippo Baroncini (Ita)

Jan Christen (Swi)

Isaac Del Toro (Mex)

Marc Hirschi (Swi)

Domen Novak (Slo)

Tadej Pogačar (Slo)

Tim Wellens (Bel)

Pogačar : “After seeing such a strong start for the team I can’t wait to start racing again myself. I’ve been patient and taken a bit of a slower approach to this year and started racing a bit later. It’s going to be a long season, including two Grand Tours, so new territory for me in that regard. But I’m excited by the prospect, it’s something new.

First things first is Strade which is a race I love and have great memories from. My preparation has been really good and we’ll be racing for the win. You never know exactly how you’ll be in the first races and there will be big rivals but I think with our team we can be ready for anything.”

Sports Manager Matxin Fernandez (Spa) will oversee proceedings alongside Sports Directors Andrej Hauptman (Slo) and Manuele Mori (Ita).

The team will take on two midweek classics with Le Samyn (27 Feb) in Belgium and Trofeo Laigueglia (28 Feb) in Belgium.

The team in Belgium will be lead by Marco Marcato (Ita) while Marco Marzano (Ita) and Manuele Mori (Ita) will take charge in Italy.

Le Samyn [1.1] – 27-Feb-2024

Alvaro Hodeg (Col)

Antonio Morgado (Por)

Michael Vink (NZ)

Luca Giami (Ita) (Gen Z)

Jonathan Guatibonza (Col) (Gen Z)

Gibbe Staes (Bel) (Gen Z)

Trofeo Laigueglia [1.Pro] – 28-Feb-2024

Juan Ayuso (Spa)

Filippo Baroncini (Ita)

Jan Christen (Swi)

Alessandro Covi (Ita)

Marc Hirschi (Swi)

Rafal Majka (Pol)

Diego Ulissi (Ita)