"This was the highest achievable result today": Gianni Vermeersch secures a top-five finish at Strade Bianche

The white dirt roads of Tuscany demand a unique combination of endurance, bike handling, and tactical patience. For former gravel world champion Gianni Vermeersch, the Strade Bianche provided the perfect opportunity to showcase those exact skills. The 33-year-old rider was the first Belgian to cross the finish line in Siena, securing an impressive fifth place after a demanding day in the saddle.

Gianni Vermeersch more than held his own against the favorites in Tuscany, though his race was not without its stressful moments. Early in the decisive phase, he had to burn energy to get back to the front.

"I did let myself get caught out for a moment, though," he told Sporza, referring to a phase where he had to make a hard catch-up effort.

Once he was back in contention, the Belgian rider had to make some calculated decisions as the attacks started flying on the final gravel sectors. "In the finale I played a bit of poker. I had hoped that we would work together, but on the Pinzuto, Seixas and Del Toro rode away and from then on I purely focused on getting the best possible finish," he explained.

His strategy of riding his own pace and not overextending himself ultimately paid off when he reached the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena.

"That was rewarded," laughed the fifth-place finisher. His initial reaction at the finish line was clear: "I am absolutely super satisfied." He later emphasized that he had gotten everything out of his body that he could. "I am absolutely super satisfied with that. This was the highest achievable result today."

While Vermeersch is not known as a pure climber, his specific physical profile allows him to go uphill very well on the short, steep pitches of the Strade Bianche course. "I am not the heaviest classic rider. Less than 70 kilograms, that makes a difference compared to the pure classics guys," he noted.

Combined with his extensive off-road experience, the Tuscan terrain suits him perfectly. "But I have always found my way in such races," the former gravel world champion added.

With a strong result now in his pocket, Vermeersch is immediately looking ahead to his next goals on the cycling calendar, which will require a change in his training block. "Now I am going for an altitude boost towards Nokere and Denain," he concluded.