The triumph of Tadej Pogacar at Milan-Sanremo was already considered heroic, especially after the Slovenian champion recovered from a fall to sprint to victory. However, a stunning new revelation from his team’s mechanic adds an extraordinary layer to his achievement: Pogacar rode the remainder of the race on a damaged bike, specifically with a compromised rear fork that was pressing against the brake disc.
Mechanic Reveals Critical Bike Damage
Bostjan Kavcnik, a mechanic for UAE Team Emirates, shared the shocking details. “The rear fork was damaged, but fortunately, it didn’t snap completely,” Kavcnik explained. He elaborated, “The frame broke during the fall, and the brake disc was rubbing against the braking surface. If Tadej had known the condition of his bike, he would never have descended with such aggression. Even Tom Pidcock struggled to keep pace with him at times.” This revelation underscores the immense skill and mental fortitude Pogacar displayed, pushing himself and his compromised equipment to an unforgettable victory.
