This weekend is the return of Strade Bianche, a race that
has quickly become a fan and rider favourite and an instant classic. Known for
its stunning white gravel roads, steep Tuscan climbs, and a finish in the
breathtaking Piazza del Campo in Siena, Strade Bianche is one of the most
unique and visually spectacular races on the calendar. And we can’t wait for
the first pedals to turn.
Despite being a relatively new event (it was first held in 2007)
Strade Bianche has gained Monument like prestige already, with many arguing it
deserves to be considered the sixth Monument.
The race has provided some truly unforgettable moments over
the past few years, with Tadej Pogacar establishing himself as the dominant
force on the men’s side (shock), while the women’s race has seen thrilling
battles among the peloton’s biggest stars.
As the 2025 edition approaches, with the likes of Pogacar and
Tom Pidcock set to battle for victory, we take a look back at the past five
editions to see what history can teach us about this year’s race.
2024
Men’s Race
12 months ago, the 2024 edition of Strade Bianche saw Tadej
Pogacar deliver a breathtaking performance, reinforcing his reputation as the
race’s master. He attacked with 81km to go, an audacious solo move that left
his rivals in the dust. Despite the chasing efforts behind him, Pogacar never
faltered, showcasing his supreme endurance and technical skill on the gravel
roads of Tuscany.
Can Pogacar complete a hat trick this weekend?
His victory added to his already legendary win in 2022,
proving that when Pogacar is in top form, Strade Bianche is his playground. The
win was also something of a foreshadowing moment for what was to come in the
Slovenian’s triple crown winning season, where he won races with long range
attack after long range attack.
Women’s Race
In the women’s race, Lotte Kopecky powered to victory,
denying Elisa Longo Borghini and Demi Vollering in a thrilling finale. The Belgian
superstar, who had already won the race in 2022, confirmed her status as one of
the strongest one day racers in the world.
Kopecky’s ability to handle the brutal terrain and launch a
decisive attack at the perfect moment made the difference, as she showed why
she is Queen of Strade Bianche.
Interestingly, both the winners of the men and women’s race
went on to claim the world title later that season…
2023
Men’s Race
The 2023 edition saw a new name added to the list of
winners, as Tom Pidcock claimed one of the best wins of his career so far. The British
rider attacked from 50km out, taking a huge risk in a race where solo moves
that early rarely succeed.
His technical ability on gravel allowed him to maintain his
lead as he navigated the challenging terrain, fending off the chasing pack. The
moment he climbed into Siena’s Piazza del Campo alone, arms aloft, was one of his
best moments with INEOS, but can he repeat the feat with his new team?
Women’s Race
In the women’s event, it was Demi Vollering who triumphed,
outsprinting her teammate Lotte Kopecky in a dramatic two rider showdown. The SD
Worx teammates dominated the race, but in the end, it was Vollering who had the
stronger finishing kick, taking the victory.
This race marked a major shift in Vollering’s career, as she
emerged as one of the most consistent classics specialists and GC contenders.
2022
Men’s Race
Few performances in cycling history can match Tadej Pogacar’s
2022 Strade Bianche masterpiece. That’s aside from, well, Pogacar at Strade
Bianche in 2024, his world championships 100km solo win, and all his other
ridiculous solo victories.
In 2022, the UAE Team Emirates leader launched a devastating
solo attack from 50km out, riding away from a field packed with elite classics
specialists.
What made his win even more remarkable was the ease with
which he distanced his rivals. His ability to maintain a blistering pace across
the gravel roads and power up the steep climbs showcased his now familiar all
round brilliance. It was a victory that drew comparisons to the greatest rides
in cycling history.
Women’s Race
Lotte Kopecky won her first Strade Bianche title in 2022,
out-sprinting Annemiek van Vleuten in another close women’s race.
The race was a grueling battle, with Kopecky displaying her
grit and power to stay with Van Vleuten before unleashing her sprint on the
final climb into Siena. This victory marked the beginning of Kopecky’s supremacy
in the classics, paving the way for rainbow jersey victories.
2021
Men’s Race
Strade Bianche 2021 was a classic edition, with Mathieu van
der Poel taking an electrifying victory. The Dutch superstar was part of an
elite group that included Julian Alaphilippe and Egan Bernal, but he saved his
best for last.
On the final ramp into Siena, Van der Poel launched a ferocious
attack, leaving his rivals in awe as he surged to victory. His explosiveness
and technical ability were on full display, and his win added yet another
thrilling chapter to the race’s history.
Mathieu van der Poel's 2021 victory is one of his very best
In the list of all of Van der Poel’s incredible victories,
this is one of the very best. Racing against the then world champion Julian
Alaphilippe, the Dutchman showed that he was in a different league.
Women’s Race
The 2021 women’s race saw a masterclass from SD Worx, with Chantal
van den Broek-Blaak emerging victorious. The team executed a perfect tactical
race, setting up Van den Broek-Blaak to make her move at the perfect moment.
Her powerful solo attack in the closing kilometres ensured
that SD Worx secured another big victory, and was the first of their three wins
in a row in Siena.
2020
Men’s Race
The 2020 edition of Strade Bianche was a unique one, as it
was rescheduled to August due to the pandemic. The blazing summer heat made the
gravel even more brutal, but it was Wout van Aert who emerged victorious in
Wout van Aert style.
The Belgian, who had finished third in the previous two
editions, attacked solo and managed to hold off the chasing pack. His ability
to navigate the challenging terrain and deliver a huge performance in extreme
conditions allowed him to hold off the likes of Davide Formolo in a near 5 hour
race.
Women’s Race
In the women’s event, Annemiek van Vleuten delivered a trademark
solo attack to claim victory for the second time in her career. The Dutch star,
known for her long-range attacks, made her move with 30km to go, crushing her
rivals and riding to an emphatic win ahead of Mavi Garcia.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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