Tadej Pogačar's Milan-San Remo Victory on a Damaged Bicycle

Unseen Adversity, Unstoppable Spirit: Pogačar's Unbelievable Win

A Crash Before Glory: The Cipressa Incident

During the Milan-San Remo race, Tadej Pogačar experienced a fall as he approached the Cipressa climb. Initially, he believed this incident had ended his chances of victory. Little did he know, he would not only recover but also go on to secure his first win in this prestigious event.

Hidden Damage: A Cracked Frame and Rubbing Brake

It was revealed after the race that Pogačar's remarkable performance was achieved on a bicycle with a cracked frame and a malfunctioning rear disc brake. This damage, sustained during his earlier crash, went unnoticed during the race, adding another layer of astonishing resilience to his victory.

The Mechanic's Revelation: Post-Race Discovery

Boštjan Kavčnik, Pogačar's mechanic, confirmed that the extent of the bike's damage—a compromised rear triangle and a constantly rubbing disc—was only discovered upon a thorough inspection after the race. Had this been known earlier, Pogačar might have hesitated to push his limits, especially during aggressive descents.

Electronic Gear Malfunction and Quick Recovery

Pogačar's bike, equipped with a lightweight, aerodynamic single-ring setup and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 gears, suffered an electronic malfunction after the crash. However, the cyclist managed to reset the system himself, allowing him to continue without realizing the structural issues.

Fearless Descent: A Testament to Ignorance

Despite the damaged bike, Pogačar joined Tom Pidcock and Mathieu van der Poel in forming a crucial lead group. His mechanic suggested that Pogačar's aggressive descent off the Poggio would likely have been curbed if he had been aware of his bike's critical condition, highlighting his incredible courage born from unknowing.

From Race Machine to Museum Piece: The Bike's Legacy

Pogačar's damaged Colnago bicycle, which carried him to an extraordinary victory, is now retired from competitive use. It is destined for his personal collection, becoming a symbol of one of the most unexpected and inspiring wins in cycling history.