Tadej Pogačar Praises Organisers After Tre Valli Varesine Cancellation Mid-Race: “We Couldn’t See”
The 2024 edition of the Tre Valli Varesine took an unexpected turn when adverse weather conditions forced the race to be cancelled mid-way through, sparking a wave of reactions from riders and organisers alike. Among the most vocal was Tadej Pogačar, one of cycling’s biggest stars, who not only supported the decision but went further to commend the organisers for their swift and responsible actions. Pogačar, who was in the thick of the action when the decision was made, summed up the perilous conditions simply by stating, “We couldn’t see.”
The Tre Valli Varesine, part of the historic Trittico Lombardo and a race beloved by fans and riders alike, was initially poised to be another thrilling spectacle as cyclists traversed the rolling terrain of Lombardy. The course, known for its sharp climbs and picturesque scenery, is a favourite for puncheurs and climbers alike. For many, it serves as a crucial lead-up to the end-of-season classics.
However, the unpredictability of autumn weather in northern Italy became the primary opponent of the day. Heavy rains and thick fog descended upon the race, making visibility almost non-existent and the roads dangerously slick. Several riders struggled to maintain control of their bikes, and multiple crashes occurred within the peloton.
Speaking after the cancellation, Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France winner, reflected on the situation with a mix of relief and understanding. “We couldn’t see more than a few meters ahead,” he explained. “The rain was relentless, and the fog made it impossible to know what was coming. Under these conditions, it wasn’t just a matter of racing, but of safety. You can’t expect riders to take unnecessary risks.”
Pogačar was at the forefront of the race when the organisers made the call to halt proceedings. Like many of his fellow competitors, he knew that continuing would be not only dangerous but potentially catastrophic. “At some points, you’re relying entirely on memory of the course or what you hear from the radio, but when you’re going downhill at 70 km/h, that’s not enough. You need to see the road ahead.”
The Slovenian praised the organisers for putting the safety of the riders first, stating that it was a difficult but necessary decision. “I know fans were disappointed, and we were too, but this was the right call. It takes courage to stop a race, especially one with the history of Tre Valli Varesine, but safety has to come first.”
Race director Renato Di Rocco also addressed the media following the abrupt halt, explaining the decision-making process. “We knew from early in the morning that the weather could be a factor, but we hoped it would improve. Unfortunately, it worsened, and once we received reports of several crashes and saw the conditions ourselves, it became clear that continuing the race would be reckless.”
Di Rocco further elaborated on the feedback from riders, team managers, and medical personnel, all of whom supported the decision to cancel. “The riders’ safety is our priority. We received multiple reports of extremely low visibility, and the roads became nearly impassable. We had no choice but to act, and we did so swiftly to prevent further accidents.”
While the decision to cancel the race was well-received from a safety standpoint, it was not without disappointment. For riders like Pogačar, who had been using the Tre Valli Varesine as a final tune-up ahead of other major events, the abrupt end left a sense of unfinished business.
“It’s frustrating, of course,” Pogačar admitted. “We train hard for these races, and we were all ready to give it our best. But in the end, you have to accept that some things are beyond your control. The weather is part of the sport, and we’ve seen it affect races before. Today, it was just too much.”
Other riders echoed Pogačar’s sentiments. Remco Evenepoel, who was also in the leading group when the race was stopped, expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the necessity of the cancellation. “You never want to see a race end this way, but when the conditions are this bad, there’s no other option.”
The cancellation of the Tre Valli Varesine has reignited discussions about safety in professional cycling, particularly in extreme weather conditions. Over the past few years, there have been increasing calls for stricter protocols regarding weather-related risks, and Pogačar’s comments highlight the ongoing concerns within the peloton.
“In the end, we’re racing for glory, but not at the cost of our health and lives,” Pogačar stated firmly. “I’ve seen too many crashes, too many close calls. We push our limits every day, but there has to be a line.”
The UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) has been working to improve safety measures, particularly following high-profile accidents in recent seasons. Weather protocols have been tightened, and race organisers are now more empowered to make decisions in extreme circumstances. The cancellation of the Tre Valli Varesine is a testament to this evolving approach, where rider welfare is placed above the spectacle of the sport.
As the cycling season draws to a close, Pogačar and his fellow competitors will now turn their attention to the upcoming races, including the Giro di Lombardia, where many of the same riders will once again face off. Despite the disappointment of Tre Valli Varesine, the Slovenian remains optimistic about his form and the remainder of the season.
“I’m feeling good, and I’m ready for what’s next,” he said. “Tre Valli was just a small setback, but there are bigger goals ahead. I’m just happy that everyone made it out safely, and we can race another day.”
For now, the focus remains on safety in cycling, with Pogačar’s voice adding to the growing chorus of riders advocating for increased precautions. His words, “We couldn’t see,” are a stark reminder of the challenges that professional cyclists face and the importance of prioritising safety in a sport that often flirts with danger.
The cancellation of the 2024 Tre Valli Varesine will undoubtedly go down as one of the more memorable moments of the season, not for the race itself, but for the way it underscored the delicate balance between competition and safety in the world of professional cycling.
