The routes of Strade Bianche and Strade Bianche Women Elite, set to be raced on Saturday 6 March, have been officially confirmed. The two races, as per recent tradition, will start from Siena, Italy, and end in the unique setting of Piazza del Campo in Siena, after 184km and 136km of riding respectively.
- The 15th Strade Bianche – 184km – covers 11 sectors and 63km on gravel roads (34.2% of the course). The race starts at 11:40 CET, and finishes at around 16:30 CET.
- The 7th Strade Bianche Women Elite – 136km – covers 8 sectors and 31.4km on gravel roads (23.1% of the course). Racing start at 09:10 CET, and finishes at around 13:15 CET.
Strade Bianche, ‘Europe’s most southern northern classic’, part of the elite of world cycling since 2017, is now a key race on the UCI WorldTour calendar. The last winner to triumph in Piazza del Campo was Belgium’s Wout van Aert, who also won the 111th edition of Milano-Sanremo that same year – a feat matched only by Julian Alaphilippe in 2019, Michał Kwiatkowski in 2017 and Fabian Cancellara in 2008.
The previous two editions of Strade Bianche Women Elite were both won by Annemiek van Vleuten.
The Mayor of Siena Luigi De Mossi and the Councilor for Tourism Alberto Tirelli said “This is an event that this administration has believed in since its inauguration. Through a three-year agreement with RCS Sport, together we have enhanced the appeal of a race that represents a great opportunity to promote Siena and the territory at an international level.
“We are paying close attention to outdoor tourism – in particular to the world of cycling – and sporting initiatives like this are an exceptional promotional tool.”
Paolo Bellino, CEO and General Manager of RCS Sport, said “Today’s announcement for Strade Bianche and Strade Bianche Women Elite consolidates a route that has, over the years, made ‘Europe’s most southern northern classic’ a reference point among the great races on the international racing calendar.
“Over the course of several years, we have established a strong collaborative relationship with Siena’s local governing body that allows us to organize such a unique race, loved by riders and fans alike, that promotes the wonderful Sienese territory around the world.”
The winner of the 2020 edition of Strade Bianche Wout van Aert said “That week in Italy with my victory in Strade Bianche and shortly after in Milano-Sanremo was the most special period of the year for me.
“It was a very intense time, after the restart of the season, and it was a unique experience to go from one success to another. After the Cyclocross World Championships I’ve taken a short break and since then I have started my preparations for the new season.
“In the beginning, my main focus will be on the one day races. I’m very much looking forward to my Italian block. Not only because of Strade Bianche, but this time also because of Tirreno-Adriatico.”
