Fabian Cancellara would have liked Mathieu van der Poel in Strade Bianche: "He definitely has a chance"

Fabian Cancellara still shares the record today in the Strade Bianche, thanks to his wins in 2008, 2012, and 2016. But that might change next Saturday, the Swiss rider himself realizes. World champion Tadej Pogacar is the top favorite to claim his fourth victory in five years, but the Swiss has no issue with that. He actually welcomes the fact that the big names are heading to the Strade.

"On paper, it’s quite clear, but the race still has to be ridden. If Tadej wins, I have no problem with that. It’s truly an honor to share that title with him. Pogacar has helped the sport grow and has taken cycling to another level, especially on a global scale."

"I mean: he’s a Slovenian rider being nominated for numerous prestigious sports awards. If he were American or British, his impact would be even greater," he told Sporza.

"That he is currently the best rider is clear," says the key figure behind the Swiss Tudor team. "But I don’t compare him to other riders like Eddy Merckx. This is a different era. Pogacar is also racing much less this year. I’m curious about that approach. As long as he’s motivated and enjoys riding, it’s okay by me."

One absentee at the Strade Bianche is Mathieu van der Poel. And it doesn’t look like MVDP will be present in the coming years either. Cancellara regrets that. "Has the Strade become too tough? Yes and no. The Strade has become more demanding, but I’m convinced Van der Poel has a chance here. This race might simply not have fit into his schedule. No one should judge that."