Tadej Pogačar Wins Milan-San Remo Despite Damaged Bike Frame and Brake Issues

Tadej Pogačar achieved a remarkable victory at the Milan-San Remo cycling race under extraordinary circumstances. Evidence has emerged suggesting he completed the race on a damaged bike, which adds to the significance of his performance.

Pogačar’s Bike Damage Details

According to Boštjan Kavčnik, a mechanic with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Pogačar faced mechanical challenges during the race. After a crash before the Cipressa section, his bike frame sustained damage, specifically to the rear fork. Luckily, this did not result in a catastrophic failure. Kavčnik noted, “If Tadej had known what condition the bike was in, he wouldn’t have descended so aggressively.”

Brake Issues and Performance Impact

Post-crash, Pogačar also experienced issues with his disc brakes. The damaged frame caused the disc to rub against the brake surface. This mechanical problem likely impeded his speed during the race. Despite these setbacks, Pogačar managed to set a remarkable time on the Cipressa, while overcoming the challenges of navigating through the pack.

Gear Management Challenges

Further complicating matters for Pogačar, his Shimano Di2 rear derailleur went into crash mode after the fall, which locked him in gear. He had to manually reset it while riding, which added to his difficulty. Kavčnik explained, “Tadej crashed onto the left side, which has no gearshift. He reset it himself, thinking nothing else was wrong.” This situation is especially impressive considering Pogačar had opted for a 1x drivetrain setup, prioritizing weight savings and aerodynamics.

Unique Racing Choice

Pogačar also made notable adjustments to his bike for this race. He replaced last year’s 30mm tires with narrower 28mm ones, diverging from the trend of wider tires seen in modern cycling. Kavčnik remarked that despite the damage, the bike will remain a part of Pogačar’s special collection.

Conclusion

Tadej Pogačar’s victory at Milan-San Remo is not just due to his exceptional skill but also his ability to overcome serious mechanical setbacks. His resilience under pressure highlights his status as one of the top cyclists in the world.