Strade Bianche

Tuscany’s “white roads” gravel race has become a modern cult classic, and many fans’ unofficial “sixth Monument.” Short, steep sterrato sectors force repeated red-zone efforts, and positioning before every pinch point is crucial.

The sting in the tail is Siena’s Via Santa Caterina: an explosive ramp into the amphitheatre finish on Piazza del Campo.

Tactically it rides like a hybrid of a punchy Ardennes race and a technical gravel event. Equipment choices (tyre width/pressure, gearing) and bike handling can swing minutes. When the best arrive at the final climb together, the winner is often whoever dares first and holds the line through the last S-bends.