"It will become even more predictable" - Criticism within the peloton for Strade Bianche route changes

This weekend, the 'sixth monument' of the World Tour calendar takes place, with the peloton doing battle at Strade Bianche. As the race organisers strive to make the race more and more difficult though, the changes to the course have not been welcomed by all.

More and more, Strade Bianche is becoming a race for the climber types, as shown off by the startlist this year, with the likes of notable names such as Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert absent. Last year, Tadej Pogacar stormed to a dominant victory in typically epic style and the Slovenian is back this year to try and defend his crown. “After the 80-kilometre solo last year, they are adding an extra gravel section this year," Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Maarten Wynants tells Wielerflits. "On the one hand, it is a shame that they are making the race even harder. In terms of tension, it will become even more predictable. That’s a bit of a shame.”

“Last year, the local round around Le Tolfe was added, which made it a pure climbing race. Now there’s also an extra 9.5 kilometre uphill stretch… That will only make it even harder,” Wynants continues, noting the absence of Van der Poel and Van Aert among others. "That is the result, yes. And it is up to the organization to draw conclusions from that."

One of those present this weekend to take the fight to Pogacar though, will be Tom Pidcock. According to his Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team DS Michael Albasini, the ever increasing difficulty of the course doesn't necessarily make it more likely for a Pogacar domination. "That depends on several things. Some riders make it a race for climbers. The race itself does not really change. It's the riders who determine the course of the race. If there's wind, it can be more for the classic types. There has to be climbing, yes, but I wouldn't call it a real climbing race," the Swiss explains.

“It is a race in itself. You need certain skills to be able to participate and it can be risky if you are not in top form. That is why I can understand that some riders do not start. Or are teams afraid of Pogacar? There is no reason to be afraid. He is strong, but if you have already lost in your mind, he will become even stronger than he already is. But Tom will definitely take on that challenge,” Albasini concludes his assessment. "Strade Bianche is the classic that comes closest to a monument. It is an exciting and tough race and the views are amazing. That makes the race very distinctive. It is and remains an important appointment in the spring classics."