Time for Strade Bianche

The Crete Senesi

For us here at Peloton Translations, March marks the start of the road-racing year in earnest, with one of the very first on the agenda being Strade Bianche, winding its way through the roads of Tuscany (where Peloton Translations’ founders honed our own Italian language skills)…

Strade Bianche, a youthful race, but one steeped in cycling tradition, stands out as a favourite for us. This Italian one-day classic, first introduced in 2007, has quickly grown in prominence, earning a spot in the prestigious UCI World Tour in 2017. Fans are drawn to its unique blend of challenging terrain, picturesque countryside, and aura of unpredictability which sets it apart from other races in the calendar.

Beautiful, and incredibly tough

The term 'Strade Bianche' translates to 'White Roads', symbolising the iconic gravel paths that wind through the Tuscan countryside, which are not only visually striking, but also bring a unique challenge to the race – helping to create Strade Bianche’s distinctive identity.

The 2024 edition of Strade Bianche will exceed 200 kilometres for the first time (reaching a hefty 215 km) intricately weaving through the stunning vistas of the Crete Senesi, presenting riders with a challenging mix of winding white gravel roads, punishing climbs, and technical descents, demanding both physical prowess and strategic finesse.

The race is also notorious for unpredictable weather, adding an extra layer of difficulty for participants, often experiencing a mix of conditions ranging from sunshine to rain - even snow. These weather variations greatly impact race strategies – Tuscany’s white gravel roads become slippery and treacherous when wet – requiring riders to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Piazza del Campo, Siena

The race culminates in a spectacular finish at the historic Piazza del Campo in Siena. This iconic square, renowned for its medieval architecture and unique shell shape, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the conclusion of the race. The cobbled streets and steep gradients leading to the finish line adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement, and the atmosphere at Piazza del Campo during the race finale can be truly electric.

The Strade Bianche Donne race was introduced in 2015. Just like the men's race, the women's edition culminates in the iconic finish at Piazza del Campo, providing a unique spectacle for both participants and spectators. Over the years, the women's race has become a pivotal part of the Strade Bianche weekend, highlighting the growing prominence of women's cycling in the professional racing scene.

Past winners of the men's Strade Bianche event have included heavyweights such as Julian Alaphilippe, Michal Kwiatkowski, Wout Van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, while in the women's event, legendary riders like Annemiek van Vleuten and Elisa Longo Borghini have triumphed.

Here at Peloton, we’re incredibly excited for one of the cycling calendar’s most thrilling events! Enjoy.