The sun was still burning away the morning mist from the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves as the EF Education riders enjoyed an early breakfast on Thursday morning.
Strade Bianche was still 48 hours away, but the day’s recon ride was a key part of the final preparation for every team and rider targeting both the men’s and women’s edition of Strade Bianche.
The Italian race is only 20 years old, and 2026 marks the 12th edition of the women’s race, but Strade Bianche has rapidly become one of the most prestigious and important races of the season. Tadej Pogačar is making his 2026 season debut, and Demi Vollering is chasing her third victory. The importance of Strade Bianche was palpable out on the gravel roads and amongst the riders and teams.
The men’s team, led by Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy, would roll out an hour later, both teams crossing paths with their rivals and fellow WorldTour teams on the gravel, on the steep Santa Caterina climb to Siena and to the finish in the Piazza del Campo. It was time to get serious and get ready to race.
The EF Education-Oatly left from the hilltop Villa Sabolini hotel and resort punctually at 9:00 a.m., knowing that sports director Carmen Small expected punctuality and presence.
“We take extra time and come early instead of just doing an hour-long ride, the day before the race. We put extra effort into Strade Bianche for sure,” Small told Cyclingnews.
“Henrietta Christie has never ridden Strade, and Alexis Magner last rode a few years ago, so it’s important they see the whole course. Putting it all together is important because Strade Bianche is such a unique race, it’s different from any of the other races we do.”
The riders saw the opening 50km of the full 131km race…
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