Tadej started the 2026 season just as he wanted. At his first race of the year, Strade Bianche, he celebrated his fourth victory, which was not his only historic achievement of this extraordinary day. The record was also the average speed of 42.699 km/h, achieved after 78 kilometers of solo riding.
After his teammates from UAE Team Emirates – XRG did an exceptional job on the 203-kilometer test, Tadej attacked on the gravel section of Monte Sante Marie just like in previous years. The longest to chase him was Paul Seixas (Decathlon), who eventually gave up, allowing Tadej to build a two-minute lead over the chasers in the continuation of the race.
In the finale, this lead shrank to one minute, but the victory was again secure. At Piazza del Campo, he bowed for the fourth time to the vast crowd of fans and became the record holder of this extraordinary race. At Strade Bianche, Tadej, who had already won in 2022, 2024, and 2025, previously shared the historic peak with Fabian Cancellara, who was the best in 2008, 2012, and 2016. From now on, Tadej is the undisputed king of the Tuscan white roads.
»I know I always say this, but chapeau to the team that did an incredible job. After the start, first Domen Novak, then Kevin Vermaerke controlled the breakaways and ensured we were in a good position on the gravel sections. Felix Grossschartner began to set an exceptional pace, followed by Florian Vermeersch. It was great to see that all the guys in the team did so well. Also to the young bullets Jan Christen and Isaac del Toro, who did their jobs exceptionally well. It was an honor to ride with such a team and deliver the victory. I am extremely happy,« Tadej said at the finish.
For the seventh year in a row, he won his first race of the season, and for the first time, 19-year-old Seixas came closest to him. »I saw that he was chasing me really hard on the steepest part of the climb on the Monte Sante Marie section. I told myself I’ll go all-out to the top then I’ll see. Either he can come to my wheel or he would explode, a gap would form between us. I saw that he fell behind, but I also knew that Isaac and Jan were still there, which helpped me to go alone,« Tadej said after his 109th career victory. In the battle for 2nd place the young Frenchman beat Isaac del Toro.
»The young guys are pushing my limits. Because of the new kids on the block, I will have to train even harder,« Tadej added about the competition in the new season. His next challenge will be Milan–Sanremo, where on March 21 he will be chasing his first victory. »This has been my big goal all winter, the race where it is hardest to win. I am looking forward to the start and I will again give it my all,« Tadej added.