It is perhaps one of the most legendary cycling races in the world: the Strade Bianche. A classic that is often mentioned in the same list as the Tour of Flanders and other icons. And yet the history of the Strade Bianche does not go back that far at all. The first edition only took place in 2007. It has since grown into a unique spring classic that is both loved and feared by the pros. And that, of course, is for good reason. The men ride a 213-kilometre course, with no fewer than 16 dusty gravel sections that add up to 80 kilometres of unpaved gruelling. The women also endure. They ride 50 kilometres on gravel, spread over 13 challenging strips.
The name Strade Bianche literally means 'white roads' in Italian. This reference comes from the characteristic gravel strips of Tuscany, which the sun turns an almost white colour. These roads are typical of the region and are an important part of the landscape. In this article, we list the most beautiful and iconic Strade Bianche gravel roads. Ideal to learn more about this special race, but also for inspiration to go on a cycling holiday in the beautiful Strade Bianche region yourself!
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1. Monte Sante Marie (11.5 km)
This sector is perhaps the most famous and toughest of the whole race. With a length of 11.5 kilometres and tricky climbs of up to 15%, Monte Sante Marie is a decisive stretch. This is where the first attacks are often placed. In 2016, this sector became famous as Fabian Cancellara placed his decisive attack here and rode impressively solo to victory. Since then, his name has graced the Strade Bianche nameplate at the beginning of the strip.
In dry weather, this is 11 kilometres of dust hopping. The riders have barely any visibility due to the dust clouds blowing up under the violence of the peloton racing down the strip.
2. Colle Pinzuto (2.4 km)
Colle Pinzuto lies deep in the race's finale and is a short but particularly tricky sector. The strip is 2.4 kilometres long and includes a notorious climb with an average gradient of 10%, with peaks reaching 15%. This is a strip where attackers often try to make their decisive move. It is a crucial point in the race. This is often where the last reserves of energy are drawn on, and it is not unusual for riders to stall on this strip after a tough race. The gravel here is coarser than on other strips, which reduces grip and requires extra effort from riders.
3. Le Tolfe (1.1 km)
Le Tolfe may be short, but absolutely not to be underestimated. The stretch starts with a steep descent and ends with a brutal climb towards the end. The climb on Le Tolfe reaches gradients of up to 18% and is one of the last chances for attackers to make a difference.
This sector is just before the finish, meaning that every second gained or lost here could determine the final result. Le Tolfe has gained a particular reputation as one of the most exciting stretches, where final attack attempts often take place. The climb at the end of the strip leads the riders back to the tarmac, before getting ready for the finale in Siena.
4. San Martino in Grania (9.5 km)
San Martino in Grania is a beautiful but long and challenging 9.5-kilometre sector located in the middle of the course. This stretch is particularly notorious for its constant up and down character: there are hardly any flat sections, so the riders never get a moment's rest. This sector is a classic example of what makes the Strade Bianche so tough: a succession of climbs and descents, on a surface that offers little grip. A strong wind often blows here too, adding to the challenge.
5. Pieve a Salti (8 km)
Pieve a Salti is a picturesque but merciless strip. This sector is 8 kilometres long and offers beautiful views over the Tuscan countryside. But while the spectators enjoy the views, the riders face a technical and physically gruelling stretch.
The sector contains a mix of short climbs and technical descents, requiring riders to be constantly on their guard. Early editions of the Strade Bianche often saw the first serious attack attempts here, and still this is a sector where the race can break open.
Arrival in Siena
After all those tough gravel sections, the iconic finish follows on Via Santa Caterina in Siena. This final climb through the historic city centre is short but steep, with gradients of up to 16%. This is where the race is often really decided, after which the winner finishes in the beautiful Piazza del Campo.
