The hardest Strade Bianche in history in 2024: For the first time more than 200 km and 15 sections of gravel!

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.