"It was a fantastic classic that you don't need to make more difficult" - Experts ponder if Strade Bianche's quest for Monument status is actually harming the race

For a while now, Strade Bianche has been viewed as the unofficial sixth monument of the World Tour calendar. The general thought is though, if this were ever to be given to the race as an official title, the length and difficulty of the route would need to be increased, something race organisers have looked to do over recent years. The problem is though, does the race then lose its identity?

"Why does the course have to be even more difficult? I didn't understand that then. It was a very nice course and they changed it last year with strips of Sterrati added," a frustrated Jeroen Vanbelleghem analyses for Eurosport's Kop over Kop podcast. "They need to make it 250 kilometres and it is now 213 kilometres. Are they going to build that up slowly? I think it's a bit of a shame. It was a fantastic classic that you don't need to make more difficult."

One man who certainly won't be complaining at the increased difficulty is the world champion. Tadej Pogacar already showcased his dominance on the Tuscan gravel on two occasions, including last year when the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader soloed for over 80km. "Last year we already saw a solo of 81 kilometres. We shouldn't be too negative, but it's the first time in years that I'm not really looking forward to Strade Bianche. You know why: Tadej Pogacar," Vanbelleghem comments on the Rainbow Jersey's return.

In terms of the course change though, what is actually so different this time around? "There will be an additional 500 meters of elevation. There are now 4,200, which is really a lot," explains Jan Hermsen, shining a light towards the increasingly climber-heavy startlist the race has seen over recent years. "Last year there were 3,700. That is a serious difference, especially in the first part. They want that status as a monument."

As for Hermsen's preview of the racing itself, he admits there is one standout favourite. "It will be very interesting for second place. The men who were good last year are all riding again now. Behind Pogacar it was a very nice race," he says, trying to maintain some of the excitement and intrigue Vanbelleghem has lost. "You try to make it more exciting than it is, but with such an arrival in Siena you need Mathieu van der Poel or Wout van Aert to get a race going here."