"The southernmost northern classic in Europe". Here is the definition par excellence of the Strade Bianche , a race that has become, over the years, increasingly important for the value of the start list and for a roll of honor of great quality.

Remember to line up your team for the Lega Strade Bianche! SPLENDID GIFTS and special bags up for grabs for your fantasy teams! All the details on our social channels and in the latest live broadcast on the Fantacycling channels on Youtube and Twitch.

This year the route changes in the final part and becomes harder with a final circuit in which the runners will have to tackle the Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe sectors twice. 215 kilometers in total, thirty more than in the past, with 15 dirt sections which will make the race even tougher. Especially if the weather is not favorable.

The number one favourite, obviously, is Tadej Pogacar , winner in Siena two years ago, on his seasonal debut. At his side he will have two exceptional gregarious riders such as Tim Wellens, Marc Hirschi and Isaac Del Toro, making their debut at the Strade Bianche.

Responding to the challenge of UAE Emirates will be Team Visma Lease a Bike with the European champion, Christophe Laporte , the winner of the 2023 Vuelta, Sepp Kuss, and above all Attila Walter , already fourth and fifth in the last two editions. Ineos Grenadiers is betting everything, or almost everything, on Thomas Pidcock , winner in 2023, who will have at his side the winner of two editions, Michal Kwiatkowski, Magnus Sheffield and also Geraint Thomas. Then a series of riders who could do well in Siena: this is the case of Daniel Martinez of Bora, Richard Carapaz, Ben Healy and Neilson Powless of Ef, Valentin Madouas, Romain Gregoire and Lenny Martinez of Groupama, Quinn Simmons of Lidl Trek, Romain Bardet of Dsm, Julian Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreen of Soudal Quick Step and Matej Mohoric of Bahrain.

Speaking of good quality teams, pay attention to Lotto with Lennert Van Eetvelt , first in the recent UAE Tour , and Maxim Van Gils .

Among the Italians who can aim for a top 10: Davide Formolo of Movistar, Andrea Bagioli of Lidl Trek, Filippo Zana of Jayco AlUla, Lorenzo Rota of Intermarché, Simone Velasco of Astana and Alberto Bettiol of Ef.

Photo Sprint Cycling