When thinking of one of the most popular races, Strade Bianche immediately comes to mind. It is certainly the Classic with the shortest history, but for charm and battle for many it is already considered the sixth Classic Monument of the season. This comes as no surprise, because Strade Bianche is unique in its kind: although some races have tried to copy it somewhat, it remains unique and extraordinary, iconic and pioneering of a modern cycling that takes you back in time, when dust burned in the nostrils and eyes of the riders.

to follow the entire race live starting at 11:30 AM CLICK HERE

The brief history of this race is full of heroism, attacks and defeats and this is why riders love it and hate it, for that search for victory, which with its dusty clay roads knows how to bring even the strongest of warriors to their knees. Looking at the course, there are the classic roads of the Siena province that climb hills where the shaded sections are decided by paths with curves traced by cypress trees. The course has changed somewhat and the organizers have decided to cut a total of sixteen kilometers of gravel, shortening the race by twelve kilometers compared to last year's edition. The breathtaking finale has not been modified, but the question remains the same: will Tadej Pogacar still win on Piazza del Campo?

The gravel sections that disappeared are those of La Piana (6.4 kilometers) and Serravalle (9.3 kilometers). These sections left the scene last year, even before the actual finale. Even the first gravel sector of the day, the Vidritta, has been halved: where last year riders had to cover 4.4 kilometers, now it is only 2.4.

In total, the riders will have to face 64.1 kilometers of gravel roads during the race, so they are no longer the eighty kilometers of before. The total length of the race has been reduced by twelve kilometers: from 213 to 201.

The finale is unchanged, with the long gravel sections of San Martino in Grania (9.4 km) and Monte Sante Marie (11.5 km). The course includes Monteaperti (0.6 km), Colle Pinzuto (2.4 km), Le Tolfe (1.1 km), Strada del Castagno (0.7 km), Montechiaro (3.3 km) and again Colle Pinzuto (2.4 km) – which last week was dedicated to Pogacar, where a commemorative stump will be placed for him – and Le Tolfe (1.1 km).

After the challenging climb of Le Tolfe, the course continues with climbs and descents until the now famous finish line in the center of Siena, in Piazza del Campo, after the steep climb of Santa Caterina, will decide who will be the strongest in this race. The finish line on the historic square that every year hosts the Palio has also become iconic, so much so that it is the subject of extraordinary images that in an instant travel around the world. Piazza del Campo, with Strade Bianche, crosses the Alps to reach all continents, because let's face it: only Siena and its countryside could offer such a beautiful race. Today it doesn't matter if Pogacar, Del Toro, Van Aert or young Seixas will win, because whoever crosses the finish line first will certainly be carried in triumph like a hero. Riders love this race and very often it is they themselves who ask their managers to be able to participate. Along the course there will be celebration as the riders pass, while the climb of Santa Caterina and Piazza del Campo will wait to learn the name of the new winner.

in the attached pdf you will find the list of starters