Strade Bianche. What cycling enthusiast doesn't know this iconic race in Tuscany? With its open landscapes, vineyards, cypress trees and the white surface of the sterrato, before reaching the beautiful Piazza del Campo in Siena, where the greatest triumph. It is a young, daring classic, with a Renaissance essence, which everyone appreciates for its uniqueness and beauty; a genuine contender to become, perhaps, the sixth monument.
The women's race, as in recent years, was exciting until the end, where neither the gravel sections nor the brutal climb of Via Santa Caterina played the determining role that usually makes the difference between the contenders.
Everything was decided in the final 200 metres, just before entering the square, where Elise Chabbey prevailed over Kasia Niewiadoma and Franziska Koch.
As for the men's race, contrary to the excitement that the fight between the women aroused, there were no surprises and Tadej Pogačar once again won indisputably, attacking with 79 kilometres to go.
This year, the Slovenian has been honoured by the organisation of the race, which has inscribed his name on one of the milestones that mark the sterrato, specifically on the Colle Pinzuto, the penultimate sector before the finish line. Pogačar has also become the first rider to win the race on four occasions, breaking the tie with Fabian Cancellara. As for the UAE cyclist's rivals, it is worth highlighting the bad luck of Tom Pidcock and the great form of the very young Isaac del Toro and, especially, Paul Seixas.
On a personal level, I want to emphasise that finding the right place to immortalise this wonderful race is increasingly challenging – not only because of the strict but impeccable organisation, the mass of spectators, team members and all the other professionals involved in the race, but also because of the keen eye of the many photographers who, like me, are looking for the ideal moment and place to shoot. At the same time, everything is so beautiful that it is difficult to decide where to go, since you want to be everywhere.
An intense, unpredictable... and absolutely magical race.
Fins la propera – Until next time.
