On a day when cycling fans were eagerly anticipating the dramatic conclusion of the Tre Valli Varesine race, the unexpected occurred. Riders found themselves battling not only their competitors but also Mother Nature. The 2023 edition of the Italian one-day race was cut short, halted mid-race due to extreme weather conditions that made it impossible for the athletes to continue safely. Among the riders, Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian superstar and two-time Tour de France champion, took center stage—not for his usual prowess on the bike, but for his praise of the race organizers’ decision to stop the event.
The Race That Almost Was: Tre Valli Varesine 2023
The Tre Valli Varesine, traditionally held in early October, is one of the final key races of the cycling season, where many of the sport’s biggest names make their last competitive appearances before winter. The 2023 edition promised to be a thrilling affair, with riders like Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, and many other top contenders on the starting list. The race is known for its challenging course, mixing climbs and technical descents through northern Italy’s Lombardy region. For many, it’s a chance to test their form ahead of the season’s final monument, Il Lombardia.
On the day of the race, all signs pointed to a classic showdown. Teams were prepared for battle, and fans lined the streets, eager to witness a thrilling competition. The weather, while cloudy and threatening rain, didn’t initially seem like it would be a major factor. However, as the riders approached the middle stages of the race, conditions began to deteriorate rapidly. What started as light rain soon turned into torrential downpours, with fog descending onto the course, drastically reducing visibility. The roads, already slick from previous rain, became treacherous, and the peloton was quickly thrown into disarray.
Safety Concerns Mount
As the race progressed, it became increasingly clear that the conditions were not just challenging but dangerous. With visibility near zero, riders were finding it difficult to navigate the twisting roads and steep descents. The rain, now heavy, created hazardous road conditions, while the thick fog made it nearly impossible for riders to see more than a few meters ahead. Television coverage showed grim scenes of cyclists struggling to maintain control of their bikes, slipping on wet pavement, and missing turns.
Pogacar, one of the pre-race favorites, was among those leading the charge in these grueling conditions. His team, UAE Team Emirates, had worked hard to position him for the final stages of the race, but even the supremely talented Slovenian rider found himself on the verge of disaster several times. Despite his reputation as a versatile and fearless competitor, Pogacar was clearly uncomfortable with the deteriorating conditions.
As the race wore on, crashes began to occur more frequently. Several riders went down on the slick roads, while others simply lost time as they struggled to navigate through the worsening weather. What had started as a tactical race between the world’s best cyclists had quickly turned into a battle for survival on the bike.
The Decision to Halt the Race
With the situation rapidly deteriorating, race organizers were faced with a difficult decision. Cyclists were spread out along the course, and communication between teams and riders was becoming increasingly challenging. After consultations with race officials, team directors, and riders, the organizers made the difficult call to halt the race mid-course.
It was an unprecedented decision in the context of Tre Valli Varesine, but one that was necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The official statement cited extreme weather conditions and dangerous road surfaces as the primary reasons for stopping the event. While it’s always disappointing for a race to be canceled, it was clear to all involved that the risks had simply become too great.
Pogacar’s Praise for the Organizers
After the race was halted, riders and teams gathered to assess the situation. Many were visibly frustrated, having put in weeks of preparation for the event, only for it to be cut short. However, one of the loudest voices in support of the decision came from none other than Tadej Pogacar. Known for his level-headed approach, Pogacar took to the media shortly after the cancellation, expressing his appreciation for the race organizers’ quick and decisive actions.
“We couldn’t see anything out there,” Pogacar said in a post-race interview. “It was becoming too dangerous, and I think the organizers made the right call to stop the race. When you’re going downhill at high speeds, and you can’t see more than a few meters in front of you, it’s impossible to race safely.”
Pogacar’s comments reflected the sentiments of many riders who had struggled through the brutal conditions. For him, safety was the top priority, and he praised the decision to prioritize the well-being of the athletes over the competitive aspect of the race. “As much as we all wanted to race and finish the event, it’s just not worth risking serious injury. I think everyone out there today agreed that it was the right choice,” he added.
Pogacar, who had been in good form heading into the race and was among the favorites to take the victory, showed his characteristic maturity in handling the situation. Rather than expressing frustration over the lost opportunity, he focused on the positive aspects of the decision and praised the organizers for acting swiftly. “These decisions aren’t easy to make, but when the conditions are like this, there’s no other choice. Safety has to come first.”
The Challenges of Racing in Extreme Weather
The 2023 Tre Valli Varesine is just one example of the challenges that professional cyclists face when racing in extreme weather conditions. In recent years, weather has become an increasingly significant factor in races around the world. Whether it’s blistering heat, torrential rain, or strong winds, the elements can turn a race on its head and force organizers to make difficult decisions.
For cyclists, these conditions add another layer of difficulty to an already grueling sport. Not only do they have to contend with the physical demands of racing, but they also need to constantly adapt to whatever the weather throws at them. In the case of Tre Valli Varesine, it was clear that the weather had reached a point where it was no longer feasible to continue racing safely.
Pogacar’s comments reflect the growing recognition among athletes and organizers alike that safety must be the top priority, even in the heat of competition. While cycling is inherently a dangerous sport, with riders pushing their bodies and bikes to the limit, there is an increasing understanding that some risks are simply not worth taking.
What’s Next for Pogacar and the Season
With the abrupt end to Tre Valli Varesine, attention now shifts to the final races of the 2023 season, including the prestigious Il Lombardia. For Pogacar, the unexpected cancellation may prove to be a blessing in disguise. Although he was disappointed not to be able to contest the final stages of the race, he will now have more time to recover and prepare for the remaining challenges of the season.
Pogacar remains one of the most exciting talents in professional cycling, and his ability to navigate challenging situations—both on and off the bike—has solidified his reputation as a true champion. Whether he’s racing for a win or speaking out about the importance of safety, Pogacar continues to be a leader in the sport.
As cycling fans look ahead to the next big races, one thing is certain: the weather will always be an unpredictable factor in the world of professional cycling. And as the Tre Valli Varesine 2023 edition showed, sometimes the smartest race is the one that isn’t finished.
The decision to halt the 2023 Tre Valli Varesine mid-race due to extreme weather conditions was met with praise from riders and teams alike, most notably from Tadej Pogacar. His acknowledgment of the organizers’ prioritization of safety underscores the importance of putting athlete well-being first, even in high-stakes competitions. While the race may have ended in an unexpected way, Pogacar’s perspective highlights the values that continue to define professional cycling—courage, resilience, and respect for the unpredictable forces of nature that play such a crucial role in the sport.
