Not Pogacar or Pidcock? Armstrong picks unexpected rider as the best in Strade Bianche

"Pogacar is not only the best rider of this generation, but perhaps of all generations," Armstrong said, full of praise for the Slovenian. "He crashed very hard and got back up but was visibly battered. It's amazing that he still won Strade Bianche like that—it just goes to show that he is the best. It was indeed a fantastic race to watch."

Former professional cyclist George Hincapie also enjoyed the race. "I've had the pleasure of riding in this race twice. For me, it is one of the most beautiful races of the year, but it is also extremely hectic. It says enough that the top ten finish separately; the race has become extremely tough. But fortunately, I can still fully enjoy it."

"UAE dominated the entire race," Armstrong continues. "The team is so incredibly strong. They simply tore the entire peloton to shreds with five riders, and there were still 80 (!) kilometers to go. With Tim (Wellens) and Isaac (Del Toro), Pogacar has two super strong domestiques. Still, I thought the Slovenian was less dominant this year than last."

"I don't think Tom Pidcock could have won," the American continues. "He really is a great rider, but he never could have won against Pogacar." Johan Bruyneel shares this opinion: "Tom is very strong, but if he hadn't waited, he probably never would have finished second. Still, I thought Pogacar looked less strong than in previous years."

Yet, despite all the praise for the world champion, there is also some criticism of his riding style. "I don't understand why Pogacar takes such risks. Does he just want to show that he is the best? If the Tour de France is your main goal, why race so recklessly? I think you should always remember your goals later in the year, but Pogacar doesn't always seem to do that," Hincapie says.

According to Bruyneel, the crash may also have something to do with Pidcock, who showed Pogacar how good he was. "Pidcock is, of course, the best rider in the race in technical terms. The young British rider also showed again in the Strade Bianche how good he is in the descents, and perhaps Pogacar wanted to show that he could do that, too. But Pidcock is in a league of his own in this, and when you see what he has already achieved this year, you have to respect that as an opponent."

Although all eyes were mainly on Pogacar and Pidcock, another name stood out: Ben Healy. "I enjoy his racing style. It doesn't matter what kind of race it is; he always puts in a good performance and is often one of the most important men in the race. I have a lot of respect for that guy," Armstrong says.

Hincapie, who finished fifteenth in the 2011 Strade Bianche, shares the opinion of his fellow countryman. "In the interview, Healy indicated that he wanted a good result. He decided not to follow Pogacar, which, in my opinion, was wise. But seeing how he rode behind the leaders is quite impressive, and he was perhaps one of the best men in the race."

And the spectators? "It was so wonderful to see how many spectators lined the course. It was simply impressive, and they all showed good behavior. The Italians experience the race with so much passion that it makes me want to ride those races again," Armstrong concludes his story.