Tadej who? Ricard Carapaz isn't afraid of Pogacar and aims for victory with 'great legs' in Strade Bianche

The names of the riders selected for Strade Bianche are rolling in. Although most of the top riders will be absent, apart from Tadej Pogacar, several exciting riders compete on Saturday. Jayco-AlUla, EF Education-EasyPost, and Movistar are setting out with high ambitions.

Normally, no one sets out in Strade Bianche with the idea that Pogacar can be dropped on Monte Sante Marie. Maybe it is not realistic to think about winning anyway. But then you don't know them at EF. The American cycling team has Richard Carapaz as their leader and Ben Healy, Rui Costa, Mikkel Honoré, Archie Ryan, James Shaw and Michael Valgren on board.

Read more below the photo.

Ben Healy finished 12th in Strade Bianche last year

Carapaz takes Strade Bianche very seriously

Carapaz has competed in Strade Bianche several times, but it has never been a match made in heaven. Last year, he finished 70th; in 2022, he finished 30th; in 2019, he finished 61st; and on his debut in 2017, he finished 58th. Yet after three French races and five days of racing (without a prominent role), he feels he can accomplish something. "I'm excited to race it with the team, and right now I am feeling very good. The legs feel great after a very good pre season of training. We've done the recon."

With an additional 30-kilometer final lap, Strade Bianche may be even more suited for climbers. And so Carapaz sees opportunities in a press release from EF. "This year is a bit harder than previous editions of the race and a bit longer with one more sector. For us, it will be a big challenge, because this race is not only won with good legs, but also with being in the best position in key moments of the race and staying away from the complicated moments in the back. We'll do our best, obviously thinking of a win. The team is very experienced and capable of making it happen. I feel ready. We'll see at Strade on the weekend. We're hoping for the best."

Selection EF Education-EasyPost - Strade Bianche 2025

Richard Carapaz
Ben Healy
Rui Costa
Mikkel Honoré
Archie Ryan
James Shaw
Michael Valgren

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