.png)
Two time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar blitzed the field to take out the 16th edition of the Strade-Bianche last night in the Tuscan hills of Siena.
Crosswinds caused the Slovenian a horrific crash with World Champion Julian Alaphillipe that flung the Frenchman from his bike and over the handle bars into the fields of Tuscany. They both recovered and joined the pelleton a short time after in pursuit of the breakaway group.
Belgian Tiesj Benoot and Aussie Michael Matthews were among the favourites caught up in the enormous crash but were forced to withdraw due to injuries.
After the main group reeled in the breakaway with 60 kilometres to go, Pogacar launched a solo attack on the eighth of the eleven gravel sectors.
Alejandro Valverde and Kasper Asgreen were the main poursuivants but the 23 year old had an unassailable lead heading into the The Piazza del Campo to become the first ever Tour de France winner to take out the Strade-Bianche.
IMAGE: Eurosport.