'You always keep the confidence from your last race' – Quinn Simmons inspired by Il Lombardia outing as he prepares to take on Pogačar again at Strade Bianche

Quinn Simmons, the reigning US National Champion, has publicly stated his confidence ahead of Strade Bianche, drawing inspiration from his strong performance at last year's Il Lombardia. The Lidl-Trek rider, who finished ninth at the Italian Monument, is preparing to face Tadej Pogačar once more on the white roads. Simmons also highlighted the Amstel Gold Race as another key target for his spring campaign, describing it as a "special race" for him.

This declaration of intent from Simmons is significant, particularly given his history with Strade Bianche, where he finished seventh in 2022. While his Lombardia result was impressive, replicating that against a primed Pogačar on the *sterrato* is a different challenge entirely. His focus on Amstel Gold Race also signals a broader ambition for the classics, suggesting a desire to consistently challenge at the sharp end of the sport's most prestigious one-day events, moving beyond flashes of brilliance to sustained contention.

Simmons’ self-belief is commendable, though facing Pogačar on his preferred terrain requires more than just confidence. Let's see if that Lombardia inspiration translates into something tangible on the Tuscan gravel, or if it remains merely a pleasant memory.