Much discussion has been passed back-and-forth about whether to call Strade Bianche a monument. Either way, it’s surely apt to describe the 2024 edition as monumental.
In some ways, the women’s and men’s races couldn’t have been more different. One a gladiatorial tussle between two of the world’s best, the other a show of dominance by the man at the pinnacle of the sport.
However, both races were characterised by the glorious Tuscan scenery, the brutal steratto gravel sectors and the faces of riders who finished with nothing left in the tank.
Much was expected of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) before the race. The Slovenian looks focussed as he prepares for the start
World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx – Protime) had her eyes on the trophy from the beginning
White socks for the seven men from Cofidis – but for how long?
Davide Formolo (Movistar) before the start was ordered. The Italian would go on to take his third top-ten at the race.
Lizzie Deignan (Lidl-Trek) would play a significant part in the day’s story, setting up her team-mates.
An early section of the men’s race on a moody day in Tuscany.
Loes Adegeest (FDJ-suez) leads the peloton on an early section of steratto
There aren’t many flat sections of gravel at Strade Bianche. The peloton fly down a descent into a steep pitch.
The early breakaway in the men’s race.
Feeding was a constant worry for the riders. Most teams had additional staff on-hand.
The peloton barrels round a looping left-hander as the sun breaks-through
More gravel, more climbing.
A nasty crash put Lotto-Dstny’s Jenno Berckmoes out of the race
UAE Team Emirates lifted the pace on the Monte Sante Marie sector, first through Isaac del Toro and then Tim Wellens
Tadej Pogacar: a coiled spring, ready to go
A Movistar helper is ready to give a bottle as the riders slow down on a steeper section
Italian champion Simone Velasco (Astana Qazaqstan) fights through the pain as UAE Team Emirates set a fierce pace
Toms…
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