Tadej Pogachar dominated Strade Bianche with a 50km attack and a solo victory in Campo Square, but also showed courage in the battle behind him, while Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Caspar Asgreen (Quick Step-Alphavinil) had a quality chase They broke away from the pack and stood on the podium with the UAE Team Emirates winner in Siena.

Valverde is entering the final season of a long career of peaks and valleys, and despite turning 42 in late April, he is determined to ride every major race to the best of his ability, and second place was his third Strade Bianche podium, following third in 2014 and 2015

Once again, Valverde raced defensively, saving his final strength for the final gravel sections and the steep climb to Siena. Valverde sought out Pogachar across the finish line and hugged him for congratulations and joint celebration.

"Second place behind Pogachar is like a victory. Second place behind Pogachar is like a victory. Especially after what happened today," Valverde said, the fine dust of Strade Bianche filling his veteran's wrinkled face.

"This podium is a very sweet and beautiful race for me, very delicious. There is no doubt that today was the most special day of my career. Today was a very difficult day. I crashed and it took me a long time to get back on the bike. But the team was phenomenal and to finish second is a great result.

"I was about tenth in the pack, but it was impossible to keep up with Pogachal's strength. It was impossible to keep up with Pogachal's strength. In a scenario like that, where there was no flatness at all and the terrain was such that you could measure your effort well, he proved to be the strongest."

Asgreen had to switch from a support role to team leader after Julien Alaphilippe crashed heavily with 100km to go. Asgreen attacked with 20km to go, pulled away from a quality chase group, and again swept past them on the final dirt climb. 27-year-old Dane was caught and distanced by Valverde with Siena in sight, but the shock of Alaphilippe's crash forced Quick Step s pride was protected.

"Obviously, Julien's crash happened at a very bad moment. The team did a great job to bring him back. Unfortunately, he paid the price and was unable to participate in the finale," Asgreen explained, and Valverde later told Cycling News briefly that he hurt his back in the crash.

"I always think Strade Bianche is a beautiful race. This is my third race here. Unfortunately, the first two times I didn't do so well," said Asgreen, referring to his failure to finish in the race the year before and his 25th place last year. This year I wanted to show that this was a race where I could really show my stuff. Finishing on the podium is a good first step. Being on the podium is a good first step.

[18] "I am happy to be on the podium and that my form is evolving. Now I am looking forward to Tirreno - Adriatico and the Classic season."