Strade Bianche Starts with Shorter Course, Pogačar Favorite

The Strade Bianche, cycling's premier early-season classic known for its challenging white gravel roads in Tuscany, gets underway on Saturday in Siena, Italy, as defending champion Tadej Pogačar aims for a record fourth victory in the men's edition. The 20th running of the race features both men's and women's fields navigating a revised course designed to foster more dynamic competition, with dry conditions expected to keep the action fast-paced.

Organizers from RCS Sport have shortened the men's route to 201 kilometers from 215 kilometers last year, reducing the gravel sectors from 16 to 14 and trimming the total sterrato distance to 64 kilometers. Key changes include the removal of the 6.4-kilometer La Piana and 9.3-kilometer Serravalle sectors, along with a shortened opening Vidritta section. The women's race follows suit, dropping five kilometers to 133 kilometers and eliminating the same two gravel stretches. Despite the adjustments, the route retains its signature difficulty, with pivotal sectors like Monte Sante Marie, Colle Pinzuto, and Le Tolfe setting the stage for late-race drama. Both events conclude in Siena's historic Piazza del Campo, a steep, cobblestoned finish...