'He went a bit early' - Del Toro on Pogacar's record-breaking Strade Bianche attack

Del Toro admitted that Pogačar’s race-winning attack with 79km remaining, on the all-action Monte Sante Marie sector, came earlier than expected, with the Slovenian choosing to shatter the competition on the same roads where he previously had done so.

“With the plan, he went a bit early, but he always tries to give me my space in these kinds of races,” said Del Toro. “I don’t take the opportunity honestly, I’m here to try and help him, and I’m more than happy to do it, and of course, he decided to go a little bit early.”

Del Toro and Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) were part of a select chasing group featuring Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ United), Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike), Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) and Gianni Vermeersch (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). 

The talented duo managed the flurry of attacks that came their way, as they aimed to ensure Pogačar’s gap out front remained comfortable.

On the second ascent of the Colle Pinzuto, Seixas rocketed clear from the chasers, with Del Toro locked firmly on his wheel. It proved to be a decisive move in deciding the final podium as the duo would stay clear of the remaining chasers.

“Yeah, we needed to follow all the attacks, to make sure the group didn’t build up high speed in the race,” said Del Toro.

With Pogačar out front, Del Toro was able to sit on the wheel of Seixas and force the hand of the teenage Frenchman to chase. In the end, Seixas sprinted his way to second, 1:00 behind Pogačar in Siena, while Del Toro settled for a fine third place a few seconds back.

“I was trying to cover more or less everyone, and I managed to go with him because he did a decisive move, so I was able to go with him in the final, and I’m happy with the podium because this is like an extra for us.”

Del Toro wasn’t surprised by the 19-year-old Seixas’ performance on the day. 

“I think it was the same as he has shown in the other races. He’s a really strong guy, he knows how to ride a bike, how to manage, and I’m super happy to ride with these strong guys,” said Del Toro. 

Next on the agenda for Del Toro is Tirreno-Adriatico, which kicks off on March 9, where he is the pre-race favourite for the general classification. He has an excellent track record in Italy, after his second place at the Giro d'Italia in 2025, and nine of his 24 professional victories have come on Italian roads.