Johan Bruyneel: "Isaac Del Toro is the rider closest to Tadej Pogacar in Strade Bianche"

Tadej Pogačar is the overwhelming top favorite to win on Saturday afternoon at Strade Bianche 2026. Last year, Tom Pidcock made a brave attempt by attacking the world champion early, but despite Pogačar’s crash, nothing could stop him. According to former team manager Johan Bruyneel, the biggest threat will come from Pogačar’s own team.

The Belgian made these remarks on The Move, the podcast of his former protégé Lance Armstrong. Bruyneel believes that Isaac del Toro is the main challenger to his own leader. “He is a great talent and in excellent form. Although he didn’t win that Giro d’Italia stage to Siena last year, he truly excelled on the gravel there. Wout van Aert won the stage, but Del Toro was the driving force behind that breakaway.”

As we also noted in our preview, a 1-2 finish between Pogačar and Del Toro is very possible. There is also Jan Christen, who is also in blazing form. “UAE Emirates XRG will set the pace. And most likely, Pogačar will win.”