Amid the spectacular landscapes of the Crete Senesi, gravel roads take center stage once again in one of the most captivating races on the WorldTour calendar. The 2026 Strade Bianche has become an unmissable event in cycling's spring.

The race, on Saturday, March 7, takes place in the heart of Tuscany, starting and finishing in Siena , the symbolic city of the race and the setting for the evocative finale in Piazza del Campo . Here, after over two hundred kilometers of toil and dust, the winner is decided on one of the most iconic finishes in modern cycling.

In 2026, the route measures just over 200 kilometers and includes 14 dirt sectors, over 60 kilometers of which are on gravel. These sections aren't just flat dirt roads: they're often undulating, dusty, and technical roads, where positioning, riding skill, and endurance become crucial.

The most anticipated protagonist is Tadej Pogačar , already winner of three editions.

The leader of UAE Team Emirates has demonstrated a special connection to this race in recent years: his ability to attack from afar and maintain a very high pace on dirt roads makes him the leading candidate for victory. Alongside him is teammate Isaac Del Toro, who could achieve a brilliant result, given his excellent form at the recent UAE Tour.

Tom Pidcock is one of the most technically skilled riders in the group. An Olympic mountain bike champion and former Strade Bianche winner, he's perfectly at home on dirt roads and short, steep climbs.

Another prominent name is Belgian Wout van Aert , a complete rider capable of holding his own on any terrain. If the race ends with a small group, his quick pace could make the difference.

Among the outsiders, keep an eye out for Irishman Ben Healy , an aggressive rider who prefers long-distance action, and American Matteo Jorgenson , increasingly competitive in the hilly classics. And then there's Paul Seixas, considered one of the most promising prospects in European cycling. For him, the Strade Bianche represents, above all, an important test against the great classics specialists.

Remember to field your team in the Strade Bianche League, available on the app among the special leagues. There are prizes for the top finishers and badges for the top 100 finishers.

Good luck!

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