ANALYSIS | Strade Bianche: A look back at the last five editions ahead of the 2025 race

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.

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.

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.

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…

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.