On Saturday, for the first time since 2019, the Campo Square was filled with fans, but there was only one man at the finish, Tadej Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates), who attacked at 50km from Siena to solo to a dominant victory at Strade Bianche.

The Slovenian was informed in a post-race interview that he was the first man to attack earlier than the 20km mark and win this race alone. His reply was unassuming, typical of Pogachar.

"At some point someone has to win the first race, right? Sometimes you win with 50km to go, sometimes you win with 10km to go, sometimes you win in the last sprint. You never know what's going to happen."

Pogachar said he was concerned about the gap to the rest of the pack almost all the way to the finish, although he seemed to claim victory easily against Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Alfa Vinyl) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), who finished in second place.

After attacking on the long Monte Sante Marie Stellato section, he quickly pulled out a one-minute advantage, which at one point stretched to 1:30. The 23-year-old was never in danger of being caught, but he looked the other way on the road.

"I went early, but I didn't know if I would make it until there were 5 km to go. Even on the last climb, I was worried about what was behind me, wondering if someone would come along.

"I wasn't [sure] until the last climb. I kept looking back to see where everyone was and I was really nervous. In the finals I was losing a lot of energy, but somehow I survived to the end."

Pogachar was involved in a massive crash with 100km to go that sent Alaphilippe flying through the air and forced many other leading riders to abandon.

World champion Pogačar launched a final attack 50 km later, but in the end, no response from the Frenchman, or anyone else, could stop the Slovenian from winning.

"Usually there are moments when the race goes on, but this time I tried to do my best on the Sainte Marie climb. No one was following me and I was alone at the end. I had to give it my all at the start and I'm glad I did."