The white roads of Tuscany return to the spotlight as Strade Bianche celebrates its 20th edition. In just over a decade, the race from Siena to Siena has built a reputation that rivals cycling’s Monuments and become one of the sport’s most anticipated early-season events.
Men’s preview
It’s also Team UAE Emirate’s Tadej Pogačar first race of the year. The world champion has dominated the race in recent years, winning three of the last four editions. His ability to attack on the steep gravel sectors has often turned the race into a solo showcase. In 2025, he and Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s Tom Pidcock got away with 70km to go. Ultimately–after a crash, no less, Pogi dropped the Brit and went solo for the win.
Pogačar brings along Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro, who has been showing strong early-season form. The punchy climbs and technical gravel sectors could suit his aggressive style. He will be helpful when it comes to setting up the Slovenian for one of his nuclear attacks–or perhaps we will see a UAE 1-2?
Among the other contenders is French prospect Paul Seixas, who has been racing boldly in the opening weeks of the season. Is he the guy that will finally challenge Pogačar?
Visma-Lease a Bike’s Wout van Aert would also welcome another victory on these roads. The Belgian won Strade Bianche in 2020 and also took the gravel stage at the 2025 Giro d’Italia. Pidcock will also be back.
Startlists are now filled for Saturday’s event–there is one Canadian in the men’s race, Pier-André Côté (NSN Cycling Team). The Gaspé rider will be most likely working for his Kiwi teammate George Bennett, covering moves and keeping him safe for when the selection occurs.
Women’s race
Demi Vollering won the 2025 edition in her first season with FDJ–SUEZ and will again be among the favourites. Other likely contenders include Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Elisa Longo Borghini, and the Visma-Lease a Bike pair of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Marianne Vos. Canada has three women racing. World champion Magdeleine Vallières-Mill is there, along with national champ Alison Jackson (St Michel – Preference Home – Auber93) and Visma’s Sarah Van Dam. This is Van Dam’s first go at Strade Bianche.
Although Mara Roldan (Team Picnic PostNL) is currently listed to race, she told Canadian Cycling Magazine she has to wait a while with concussion protocols before she competes. Unfortunately the Whitehorse native was hit by a motorist a few days…
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