“It’s something I still believe in" - Quinn Simmons targeting spring Strade Bianche success

Currently in action at the Tour Down Under, the US national champion Quinn Simmons has more than half an eye on the coming spring and in particular, Strade Bianche.

“Strade Bianche? Always. I like being there, I like racing in Italy, I like to race in the gravel,” Simmons said in conversation with Velo from the Tour Down Under. “It’s such a nice race to do and to watch. It suits my characteristics. Now that the proper climbers do it, it’s kind of on the limit for a guy of my size.”

For the last two years, Simmons has been aggressive and attacking at Strade Bianche, attempting to race on the front foot and take it to the big names. Although he's ultimately been unsuccessful, finishing 7th in 2022 before coming home in 12th in 2023, does the Lidl-Trek man still believe this is the tactic he has to use in order to be successful?

“It’s something I still believe in and I like to try,” Simmons analyses. “If you can compare to who used to win it, guys like Cancellara had 80kg, they’re not winning that race anymore. Even for a guy with my weight on the hills it’s on the limit.”