The prestigious Strade Bianche, a classic gravel race set in the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany, is preparing for an even more demanding edition in 2024. Breaking with its traditional format, this year's race will see a significant increase in distance, surpassing the 200-kilometre mark for the first time.
In previous editions, the gravel classic remained at a distance of 184 kilometres, insufficient to claim the title of sixth monument. The Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Il Lombardia and Milano-Sanremo all exceed 240 kilometres.
In 2024, according to information from hln.be, the Strade Bianche takes a tentative step towards a higher status. For the first time, the distance will surpass the magical 200-kilometre mark. What's more, the extra kilometres won't come for free. Instead of 11 gravel sections with a total of 63 unpaved kilometres, the peloton on March 2 will face a course with 15 gravel sections, adding up to more than 70 kilometres without asphalt, a challenge that promises to test the riders' skills on unforgiving terrain.
A couple of changes in the #StradeBianche course will make the men's race even harder! ✅ 184 km ➡️ 200+ km ✅ 11 gravel sectors ➡️ 15 gravel sectors ✅ 63 unpaved km ➡️ 70+ unpaved km
De Strade Bianche wordt zwaarder. Vier extra grindstroken duwen de semi-klassieker in Toscane door het plafond van 200 kilometer. Van 11 grindstroken met in totaal 63 km onverharde wegen gaat het naar 15 grindstroken, goed voor meer dan 70 km onverhard. hln.be/wielrennen/vie…
