“You risk your life every training ride”: Tadej Pogačar blasts “criminal” Italian traffic and promises to “stay away from those roads for a while” after Milan-Sanremo win

Tadej Pogačar, fresh off his Milan-Sanremo victory, publicly denounced Italian road safety, labelling traffic conditions as "criminal" and stating he "risks his life every training ride." The Slovenian superstar, currently the world champion, vowed to "stay away from those roads for a while," despite acknowledging ongoing efforts to build dedicated bike paths. His comments highlight a pervasive concern among professional cyclists training in Italy, particularly following high-profile incidents.

Pogačar's strong words carry significant weight, not just as a reigning monument winner but as one of the sport's most recognizable figures. His frustration echoes sentiments from numerous pros who base themselves in Italy, a traditional heartland for cycling, yet increasingly face perilous conditions. This isn't just about personal safety; it impacts training quality, rider morale, and potentially Italy's appeal as a training ground, even as it hosts iconic races.

Pogačar's lament, while perhaps not entirely new, serves as a stark reminder that even the sport's biggest stars aren't immune to the daily hazards faced by recreational riders. A king of the road, it seems, is still just another cyclist to Italian motorists.