The white roads of Tuscany return to centre stage as Strade Bianche celebrates its 20th edition. In little more than a decade, the race from Siena to Siena has built a reputation that rivals cycling’s Monuments, and has become one of cycling fan’s favourite races to watch.
All eyes fall, once again, on Tadej Pogačar. The world champion has made these gravel sectors his playground, winning three of the last four editions. His insane force has often turned the tough ascents into bloody launchpads rather than climbs. If he lines up at full strength, the script may very well be the same.
The rest of the best
UAE also has “backup” with Mexican talent Isaac Del Toro. He’s already showing great form, and the Tuscan hills could suit his punch and fearlessness.
There’s also French prodigy Paul Seixas, whose super-aggressive style hints has been lighting up the early season. Visma-Lease-a Bike’s Wout van Aert would love another win at Strade Bianche–remember he won the “mini” version at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, and has won the actual one a few years back. Tom Pidock (Pinarello–Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) did his best to challenge Pogi in the 2025 edition–and will be hungry for the win.
Start lists are still being finalized–at this point no Canadians in the men’s race, but that could change.
Vollering to repeat?
In the women’s race, there is at least one Canadian, world champion (never gets old typing this btw) Magdeleine Vallières Mill.
Again, things are still in flux as to rosters, so there may be more. In 2025 it was Demi Vollering who took the dub, in her first year with new team FDJ – SUEZ. In fact, the 2024 edition of the race may have been one of the reasons she split from Team SD Worx – Protime, after a bit of a kerfuffle with her then teammate Lotte Kopecky. Like the men’s, the women’s race is stacked with favourites–including Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto), Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), and the Visma-Lease a Bike duo Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Marianne Vos–just to name a few.
You can watch the race on FloBikes.com with coverage beginning at 6:00 a.m. EST, so set your alarms on Saturday and get some coffee brewing–preferably espresso, cuz Italy. Canadian Cycling Magazine will have full reports on both races after.
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