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2026-03-07T16:15:56.493Z
Thanks for joining us today, for another example of unparalleled brilliance by Tadej Pogačar – plus some encouraging signs that a younger generation are at least getting closer to being able to challenge him some day.
Pogačar’s next appointment isn’t for two weeks at Milan-Sanremo, a race he finds much harder to win than this point. But our next appointment is tomorrow, when we’ll bring you the first stage of Paris-Nice, which is always one of the best stage races of the season. Be sure to tune in again!
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T16:08:45.474Z
Pogačar riding up Via Santa Caterina.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T16:04:03.576Z
Pogačar might have been untouchable once again, but the age of the riders immediately behind indicate that a new generation is coming through – Paul Seixas in 2nd is 19, Del Toro in 3rd is 22, and Grégoire in 4th is 23.
2026-03-07T15:59:56.257Z
Kudos to Isaac del Toro, too. He might have been itching to ride for himself, but did the dutiful domestique role, covering wheels and not risking bringing Pogačar’s gap down. For his efforts, he was still rewarded with a place on the podium, in third-place – his highest finish to date at a World Tour classic.
2026-03-07T15:58:49.087Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T15:56:52.852Z
If / when Pogačar does, you imagine Paul Seixas might be the man to inherit his crown. Second-place today was a super effort from the teenager, perhaps the best of his career so far. It’s certainly his best result in a race at this level, and were it not for Pogačar peerlessness, we’d be celebrating a career-making victory from the Frenchman.
2026-03-07T15:54:33.079Z
So that’s a record-breaking four Strade Bianche titles for Tadej Pogačar, in addition to his record-equalling four Il Lombardias, three Liege-Bastogne-Lieges, and two Tour of Flanders, to name just a few. Will this man ever stop winning?
2026-03-07T15:52:28.140Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T15:47:45.274Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T15:46:12.139Z
Pidcock is seventh, Jorgenson eighth, both distanced on the final climb. Kron leads the next group for ninth with Van Aert behind in tenth.
2026-03-07T15:44:16.799Z
Grégoire takes fourth, Gianni Vermeersch fifth, Jan Christen sixth.
2026-03-07T15:43:28.767Z
Romain Grégoire has attacked the chase group, looking good for fourth.
2026-03-07T15:42:59.122Z
Seixas takes second, Del Toro a few seconds behind in third.
2026-03-07T15:42:37.414Z
Seixas is going to take second-place, despite doing all the work for so long.
2026-03-07T15:42:02.840Z
Behind, Paul Seixas has dropped Del Toro!
2026-03-07T15:41:41.888Z
POGACAR WINS
Yet again, Tadej Pogačar wins Strade Bianche! For a record-breaking fourth time.
2026-03-07T15:40:58.075Z
Now he slows down as he approaches the finish smiling, taking in the cheering crowd.
2026-03-07T15:40:33.369Z
He’s not holding back, attacking up the finishing climb for as big a win as he can manage.
2026-03-07T15:39:31.818Z
1KM TO GO
Pogačar rides under the flamme rouge, one again with a massive lead over the helpless opposition.
2026-03-07T15:38:17.869Z
2km to go for Pogačar. Soon he’ll be greeted by the roar of the fans waiting for him at Via Santa Caterina.
2026-03-07T15:36:08.013Z
Seixas is still looking so strong. He’s growing his lead over the chasers, back up to 25 seconds, despite receiving no help from a resolute Del Toro.
2026-03-07T15:34:02.688Z
Just 5km to go for Pogačar, his lead 1:25. He’s nearing the iconic finishing square in Siena, one of the most beautiful in all of cycling.
2026-03-07T15:33:12.199Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T15:32:13.050Z
Still its Seixas doing all the work. This has been a serious display of strength from the young Frenchman, but Del Toro is surely going to be very fresh having sat on for so long.
2026-03-07T15:31:14.597Z
The chase group can see De Toro and Seixas up the road. This could be a big fight for the podium.
2026-03-07T15:29:25.165Z
So as things stand, Del Toro and Seixas will complete the podium, but their place there remains far from secure with the chase group just 15 seconds behind them.
2026-03-07T15:28:38.546Z
Christen has rejoined the chase group behind him.
2026-03-07T15:27:58.367Z
10KM TO GO
1:18 is Pogačar’s lead over the two chasers as he enters the final 10km.
2026-03-07T15:26:48.109Z
Christen has attacked out of the rest of the chasers and is trying to chase up to Del Toro and Seixas. UAE could be for a clean sweep of the podium at this rate.
2026-03-07T15:25:42.984Z
Seixas and Del Toro come off the gravel together, 20 seconds ahead of the chasers.
2026-03-07T15:25:11.925Z
Seixas is accelerating on the gravel, but Del Toro is glued to his wheel.
2026-03-07T15:24:28.337Z
Pogačar’s finished the section, his lead over the chasing duo still at 1:15. He’s nearly home and dry now.
2026-03-07T15:22:28.721Z
GRAVEL – LE TOLFE
For the last time today, Tadej Pogačar is on the gravel.
2026-03-07T15:20:06.563Z
Seixas’s attack did take something out of Pogačar’s lead, but he still leads by a healthy 1:20 as he enters the final 15km.
2026-03-07T15:18:52.653Z
Del Toro has come through to take a turn for the first time, but isn’t pushing at all. He’s still leaving it up to Seixas to do all the work.
2026-03-07T15:17:20.633Z
Pidcock is leading the chase behind, with Christen, Jorgenson, G. Vermeersch and Gregoire on his wheel.
2026-03-07T15:16:29.746Z
Will there come a point where UAE are confident enough of Pog’s lead, and allow Del Toro to work with Seixas?
2026-03-07T15:15:45.518Z
Seixas is pleading with Del Toro to take a turn, but with his teammate up the road, Del Toro is refusing.
2026-03-07T15:15:12.304Z
Seixas has gone clear, and he’s taken Del Toro with him again.
2026-03-07T15:14:51.459Z
Paul Seixas takes over at the front of the chase group on the gravel climb.
2026-03-07T15:13:59.121Z
He’s digging deep on the uphill, swinging from side to side on the road.
2026-03-07T15:13:18.593Z
GRAVEL – COLLE PINZUTO
Time for the penultimate gravel section for Pogačar.
2026-03-07T15:12:26.584Z
20KM TO GO
Still Pogačar’s lead remains at 1:40, with just two more gravel sections to complete.
2026-03-07T15:09:11.312Z
Pogačar is grimacing a little, but that’s more a sign of the effort he’s putting in rather than a struggle. He is well in control of this race, with his lead remaining at 1:40.
2026-03-07T15:07:32.546Z
Grégoire is leading the chase group on the gravel. They’re still cohesive, and working together, but aren’t making inroads anymore.
2026-03-07T15:06:05.149Z
GRAVEL – MONTECHIARO
2026-03-07T15:04:31.433Z
Pogačar appears to be back in the grove now. His lead’s growing again, up to 1:40.
2026-03-07T15:02:22.651Z
The gap between Pogačar and the chasers has steadied again, and is holding at 1:20.
2026-03-07T15:01:55.433Z
Pogačar earlier, riding Le Tolfe.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:57:40.417Z
30KM TO GO
Still the gap comes down, albeit gradually. It’s now at 1:20 between Pogačar and the chasers.
2026-03-07T14:56:51.814Z
Gianni Vermeersch and Romain Grégoire have joined up to the first chase group. That could give them added firepower.
2026-03-07T14:54:32.016Z
Remember, Pogačar’s lead was up to 1:50 at its highest. It’s come down significantly from that.
2026-03-07T14:53:53.334Z
In the second chase group, Ben Healy has been dropped. He’s paying for the many attacks he made earlier.
2026-03-07T14:53:26.836Z
Still the gap decreases, now down to 1:20. This is getting interesting…
2026-03-07T14:53:08.365Z
Seixas and Jorgenson in the chase behind.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:51:38.625Z
The gap’s still decreasing, now down to 1:30. Could the unthinkable be happening, and Pogačar is getting tired?
2026-03-07T14:50:57.998Z
Both Del Toro and Christen will be passengers in this group, as teammates of Pog. The onus is on Jorgenson, Seixas and Pidcock to do all the work if they press on with this.
2026-03-07T14:50:03.401Z
These five are committed, reflected by Pogačar’s lead, which has come down a little to 1:35.
2026-03-07T14:48:42.445Z
Five of the chasers have a small gap over the others – Jorgenson, Del Toro, Seixas, Pidcock and Christen.
2026-03-07T14:47:37.642Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:46:36.677Z
Healy attacks as the chase group arrives onto Strade del Castagno.
2026-03-07T14:45:40.488Z
Despite attacking, Pidcock was unable to go clear, and the chase group remains together.
2026-03-07T14:45:11.024Z
40KM TO GO
Pogačar’s lead remains at 1:50.
2026-03-07T14:44:42.635Z
GRAVEL – STRADA DEL CASTAGNO
Pogačar’s back on the gravel, this time the 2-star Strade del Castago.
2026-03-07T14:43:18.174Z
The crowds up this climb are making it very narrow on La Tolfe, and Healy was briefly held up by them.
2026-03-07T14:41:54.426Z
Pidcock attacks.
2026-03-07T14:41:29.571Z
Van Aert leads the rest of the chasers on La Tolfe, and has brought back Lapeira and Christen.
2026-03-07T14:40:24.383Z
Lapeira has Jan Christen on his wheel, and a gap ahead of the others.
2026-03-07T14:39:57.908Z
Lapeira has attacked out of the chase group, as they approach La Tolfe.
2026-03-07T14:38:54.026Z
GRAVEL – LA TOLFE
Pogačar’s back on the gravel, taking on the 10th section, La Tolfe.
2026-03-07T14:38:14.455Z
Pogačar’s lead is really in the ascendancy now. It’s grown to 1:50. Surely there’s no bringing him back now.
2026-03-07T14:34:43.478Z
Decathlon are the best represented team in the chase, with Lapeira and Labrosse present to help Seixas.
2026-03-07T14:33:19.629Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:32:06.729Z
Seixas takes over and accelerates, but though the group is strung out, not much damage has been done.
2026-03-07T14:31:20.565Z
Gianni Vermeersch leads the chase group on this section.
2026-03-07T14:30:53.212Z
GRAVEL – COLLE PINZUTO
Pogačar is now onto the net gravel section. This one is particularly special to him, as it’s been named in his honour following his exploits at previous editions of Strade Bianche.
‘Let’s have some fun’ – Tadej Pogačar visits his own gravel sector ahead of bid for record fourth Strade Bianche title
2026-03-07T14:28:36.958Z
50KM TO GO
They definitely aren’t going to catch Pogačar riding like this. Their deficit is up to 1:25.
2026-03-07T14:26:28.367Z
The riders in this newly-grown chase group are now attacking each other rather than join together to chase.
2026-03-07T14:25:07.270Z
Christen, Bilbao, Lapeira, Gianni Vermeersch, Simmons, Valgren and Clément Braz Afonso are the riders from the second chase group who have now joined the first chase group.
2026-03-07T14:24:11.521Z
The second chase group has caught the first. So we now have a big grop of about 15 all together behind Pogačar.
2026-03-07T14:23:08.823Z
GRAVEL – MONTEAPERTI
2026-03-07T14:19:04.724Z
The main chase now has seven riders in it, but could yet be joined by the second chase group, which is only 20 seconds behind.
2026-03-07T14:17:33.124Z
Healy has gone clear with Andreas Kron out of the second chase group, and are about to join the Seixas group.
2026-03-07T14:16:32.400Z
Here was Pogačar being set up for what looks like it might be a race-winning attack on the Monte Sane Marie.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:14:29.507Z
60KM TO GO
Despite the coming together, the chase group is going backwards they’re now 1:15 behind Pogačar, and only 15 seconds ahead of the Van Aert/Healy chase group.
2026-03-07T14:13:42.144Z
Healy is also in that group, and is attacking it.
2026-03-07T14:12:23.110Z
The Van Aert chase group has gotten smaller, with himself and about 7 other riders going clear – among them are Valgren, Simmons, Bilbao, Lapeira and Jan Christen.
2026-03-07T14:11:01.675Z
A familiar sight – Pogačar leading the race in his rainbow stripes.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:09:31.662Z
Del Toro, meanwhile, is just sitting at the back of this group, resting up while his teammate leads the race.
2026-03-07T14:08:31.059Z
Can the chasers work together to bring Pogačar back? Right now it’s advantage Pog as his lead grows to 1:00, but there is a lot of firepower in this group if Seixas, Pidcock, Jorgenson and Grégoire are all willing to go hard in this chase.
2026-03-07T14:06:34.823Z
Seixas and Del Toro have been joined by the three chasers.
2026-03-07T14:05:40.557Z
Paul Seixas is sitting up and waiting for the chasing trio to join. A wise move – persisting alone would have been the mistake of over-zealous youth.
2026-03-07T14:04:55.078Z
The all-important moment Pogačar went clear from the others.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T14:03:20.219Z
The trio can see Seixas and Del Toro. Can their presence add some impetus to the chase?
2026-03-07T14:02:43.913Z
Behind them is a chase group being led by Van Aert, a whole minute behind the Pidcock/Jorgenson/Grégoire group.
2026-03-07T14:01:57.531Z
70KM TO GO
So the situation on the road is that Pogačar leads the race, Seixas and Del Toro behind at 30 seconds, and Jorgenson, Grégoire and Pidcock next on the road at 45 seconds.
2026-03-07T14:00:25.803Z
The chasing trio of Jorgenson, Grégoire and Pidcock are a further 20 seconds behind them. Might it be more useful for Seixas for them to join him, so he can have some assistance in the chase?
2026-03-07T13:59:25.749Z
The gap’s now being reported as 28 seconds. In which case Seixas might not be out of contention just yet.
2026-03-07T13:58:08.907Z
Pogačar has finished Monte Sante Marie, and his lead over Seixas and Del Toro is getting bigger – it’s now up to 45 seconds.
2026-03-07T13:57:14.339Z
UAE leading the peloton, before Pogačar’s devastating attack.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T13:55:41.011Z
Seixas isn’t giving up the ghost, and is about 20 seconds behind Pogačar. But with Del Toro say on his wheel, things are very difficult for him.
2026-03-07T13:51:52.049Z
Del Toro has now caught up to Seixas. UAE Team Emriates are in a perfect situation.
2026-03-07T13:49:54.345Z
Pogačar’s gap over Seixas is growing…
2026-03-07T13:48:59.168Z
Del Toro is third on the road, and behind him Jorgenson, followed closely by Pidcock and Grégoire.
2026-03-07T13:48:22.237Z
Pogačar accelerates again, and he’s dropped Seixas!
2026-03-07T13:47:51.732Z
And here comes Seixas – he’s ridden his way back onto Pogacar’s wheel!
2026-03-07T13:47:28.948Z
80KM TO GO
Pogačar made his move with about 80km to go, but hasn’t quite blown everyone away just yet.
2026-03-07T13:46:51.041Z
Seixas is leading the chase, he’s living up to the hype!
2026-03-07T13:46:34.871Z
Seixas, Jorgenson and Del Toro are a few seconds behind Pog.
2026-03-07T13:46:08.994Z
POGACAR ATTACKS
2026-03-07T13:45:34.996Z
Pidcock is on his wheel, but the others are being distenced.
2026-03-07T13:45:18.175Z
Pogacar moves to the front on a downhill part of the gravel sector.
2026-03-07T13:44:14.075Z
About 10 riders are clear in a lead group – Pogacar, Del Toro, Pidcock, Gregoire, Seixas, Jorgenson, Lapeira and Labrosse are all there, being led by Jan Christen of UAE.
2026-03-07T13:43:16.377Z
There are splits opening up, Healy one of the riders caught behind.
2026-03-07T13:42:57.481Z
Pidcock is still up there – his mechanical was a slipped chain rather than puncture, thankfully.
2026-03-07T13:42:26.960Z
As is Jorgenson, but his teammate Van Aert is further adrift.
2026-03-07T13:42:00.516Z
Del Toro and Paul Seixas are right behind Pogačar in the peloton, which remains large.
2026-03-07T13:41:07.036Z
MECHANICAL – PIDCOCK
2026-03-07T13:40:19.481Z
The break has been caught.
2026-03-07T13:40:06.909Z
Florian Vermeersch leads, Pogacar on his wheel.
2026-03-07T13:39:43.603Z
GRAVEL – MONTE SANTE MARIE
2026-03-07T13:38:04.804Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T13:36:46.809Z
We won’t spoil it here, but if you want to read about what happened in the women’s Strade Bianche, here’s our report.
2026-03-07T13:35:56.240Z
Jorgenson’s back in the peloton already. That was a smooth change.
2026-03-07T13:35:15.319Z
Mechanical for Matteo Jorgenson. He’s having a bike change. Jorgenson is antother rider who could be right up there today, riding alongside Van Aert for Visma-lease a Bike.
2026-03-07T13:34:21.645Z
All the major favourites appear to still be in the peloton. A couple of Ineos riders have been dropped, however – Axel Laurance and Connor Swift.
2026-03-07T13:33:14.102Z
90KM TO GO
UAE Team Emirates-XRG lead the peloton as they approach the next section, Monte Sante Marie. If history is an indication, this could be where their man Tadej Pogačar first lays the hammer down.
2026-03-07T13:30:53.008Z
The break’s lead is collapsing, now down to a mere 20 seconds. The catch could be imminent.
2026-03-07T13:29:10.080Z
The peloton’s bigger than 40 riders again – it seems some are catching back on now that they’re back on the tarmac.
2026-03-07T13:27:26.724Z
The break up the road, now only 40 seconds ahead.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T13:24:31.282Z
The peloton has broken up on this gravel section. It’s been reduced to about 40 riders.
2026-03-07T13:23:39.643Z
Matej Mohorič is an outside bet for victory today, having shown something of a return to form early season, and as a master on the gravel as proven by his victory at the World Championships three years ago.
‘There will be less room for heroics this year’ – after Opening Weekend chaos, Matej Mohorič co-leads Bahrain Victorious at slightly easier version of Strade Bianche
2026-03-07T13:14:09.655Z
GRAVEL – SAN MARTINO IN GRANIA
They’re onto the gravel now. This one’s 9.4km, is mostly uphill, and has been given the maximum five star rating. We can expect carnage!
2026-03-07T13:13:00.786Z
100KM TO GO
2026-03-07T13:09:24.909Z
We’re nearing the San Martino in Grania gravel section. Things are getting tense!
2026-03-07T13:08:20.393Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T13:04:17.723Z
110KM TO GO
2026-03-07T13:01:59.430Z
The much-hyped Paul Seixas has negotiated all of the day’s gravel sections so far, despite his lack of experience here. He’s tried to play down expectations, but many – not least the French public – are anticipating much from him today.
‘For the moment, any comparison with Pogačar is not real or relevant’ – Paul Seixas stays modest before Strade Bianche showdown
2026-03-07T12:56:46.732Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:54:03.820Z
The riders are off the gravel. There’s some respite now until the 6th section, San Martino in Grania – that’s where the race could really get going, with potentially decisive, race-shaping attacks.
2026-03-07T12:49:58.681Z
120KM TO GO
2026-03-07T12:48:52.448Z
A crash on the gravel, with three riders down – George Bennett, Markus Hoelgaard and Aaron Dockx.
2026-03-07T12:47:58.555Z
The women’s race is coming to a close, and it’s been a thriller. Be sure to find out what happens here.
2026-03-07T12:44:39.509Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:42:08.194Z
GRAVEL – PIEVE A SALTI
The riders are out of the frying pan that was Lucignano d’Asso, and into the fire of the fifth gravel sector, which is 8km with a vicious uphill towards the end.
2026-03-07T12:39:16.856Z
The peloton, still being led by UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:35:36.192Z
130KM TO GO
2026-03-07T12:33:47.969Z
Though he’ll be riding in service of his teammate Tadej Pogačar, Isaac del Toro has a chance to get a strong result for himself too today. The Mexican is on electrifying form already this year, taking overall victory at the UAE Tour, and, having excelled at the gravel stage of last year’s Giro d’Italia, looks well-suited to Strade Bianche.
‘I’m excited to get stuck in myself again and finally race’ – Tadej Pogačar primes for season debut at Strade Bianche with Isaac del Toro in support
2026-03-07T12:29:44.167Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:27:32.783Z
GRAVEL – LUCIGNNANO D’ASSO
2026-03-07T12:25:50.198Z
UAE Team Emirates XRG leading the peloton.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:22:27.781Z
140KM TO GO
2026-03-07T12:21:12.100Z
The riders present in the break demonstrates how, although a one-day classic known for its road surfaces, Strade Bianche is these days a climber-friendly race. Jack Haig and Patrick Konrad are both riders better known for their exploits in the mountains and stage race GC battles than as classics men.
2026-03-07T12:18:13.093Z
The nature of the race and the chaos of the gravel means there are plenty of incidents that go unreported. Here’s Quinn Simmons being held up by an incident earlier. Each rider will have their own individual stories with ups and downs, and we’ll only learn the full picture in the race’ aftermath.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:15:15.377Z
The riders have crested the Montalcino climb, which is a rare obstacle in this race in that it is a climb, but over a tarmacked road.
2026-03-07T12:13:20.966Z
Back to looking at some of today’s favourites.
As well as Tadej Pogačar and Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert is another former winner taking part today. It’s been a long time since his triumph here in 2020, and changes in the route to make it more difficult, in addition to a decline in his form, has made him a less likely winner. But you can’t write off a man of his quality, even if the Belgian himself is unsure how well he can challenge.
‘I’ll arrive at the start with more question marks than I had hoped’ – Wout van Aert prepares for voyage into the dark at Strade Bianche
2026-03-07T12:10:07.957Z
Here are the nine riders up the road in the day’s break.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T12:06:37.394Z
150KM TO GO
2026-03-07T12:03:22.007Z
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2026-03-07T12:01:41.713Z
Tadej Pogačar riding safely in the peloton on the gravel roads.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T11:58:52.032Z
Further up the road, it’s all kicking off in the women’s Strade Bianche – a reminder that you can follow along with all of the action in that race with us too.
Strade Bianche Women LIVE – Chabbey and Włodarczyk lead as riders take on key gravel sectors
2026-03-07T11:57:30.198Z
In the absence of Mathieu van der Poel – who deems the Strade Bianche route to be too demanding for his attributes – Tibor Del Grosso is leading the Alpecin-Premier Tech team, and is a dangerous man to let into the day’s break.
2026-03-07T11:53:04.517Z
160KM TO GO
2026-03-07T11:51:37.995Z
There are nine riders in this breakaway group:
2026-03-07T11:47:59.122Z
That group has over a minute on the peloton. It seems we have our break of the day!
2026-03-07T11:46:08.984Z
A group of about ten has gone clear, and it’s got some impressive names in it, including young talent Tibor Del Grosso.
2026-03-07T11:45:07.807Z
While we wait for a break to form, let’s have a look at some of the favourites, the men most likely to take the race to Tadej Pogačar today.
‘If I can battle with Tadej for a little or for a long time, that’s a positive’ – Tom Pidcock prepares to again take on Pogačar at Strade Bianche
2026-03-07T11:41:19.230Z
Here’s a small group that tried, but failed, to get away.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T11:38:16.317Z
170KM TO GO
2026-03-07T11:36:31.273Z
Another abandoned to report – Luca Paletti of the Bardiani team.
2026-03-07T11:33:56.248Z
The riders at the front of the peloton, engaged in the battle to form the day’s break.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T11:29:48.584Z
GRAVEL – RADI
2026-03-07T11:28:55.417Z
A first glimpse of the peloton up close on the road today. The weather is dry, which will make for a duty race over the white gravel roads.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T11:24:12.559Z
180KM TO GO
2026-03-07T11:22:41.267Z
Unfortunately, we already have news of abandonments – Albert Withen Philipsen, Kim Heiduk and Robbe Dhondt are all out of the race. It’s unclear if they were involved in a crash.
2026-03-07T11:21:09.200Z
The peloton is through the second gravel sector, but still remains together with no break having gone clear yet.
2026-03-07T11:17:25.899Z
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T11:14:38.108Z
GRAVEL – BAGNAIA
2026-03-07T11:08:37.749Z
190KM TO GO
2026-03-07T11:07:20.784Z
GRAVEL – VIDRITTA
2026-03-07T11:03:48.227Z
None of the fallers seem badly hurt, and all are back riding again.
2026-03-07T11:01:46.843Z
There’s been a crash already, and we’re not even onto the gravel roads yet. About half a dozen riders have gone down.
2026-03-07T11:00:15.349Z
Pogačar at the start, with some of the peloton’s national champions – most notably Quinn Simmons in his American champion’s jersey.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T10:57:18.606Z
OFFICIAL START
2026-03-07T10:55:17.223Z
Early predictions of it being a mild, dry day have come into fruition, and so the peloton are set to take on the infamous gravel roads in their dry form, rather than the wet mud that has been the case in some recent editions.
2026-03-07T10:46:42.309Z
Tadej Pogačar at the start, about to begin his mission to get his hands on that trophy once more.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2026-03-07T10:43:12.032Z
The men are on the move – they’re making their way through Siena towards the official start, which is only a matter of minutes away.
2026-03-07T10:40:29.772Z
We’re still waiting for the men to get going, but the women’s race is already well underway and into the gravel sectors. You can follow along with all the action here with Cyclingnews.
2026-03-07T10:37:19.664Z
Also potentially playing against Tadej Pogačar’s strengths are changes made to the route. After years of getting harder and harder, the organisers have this time tweaked it to make it shorter, feature less gravel sectors, and therefore less brutally difficult – which will (in theory at least) make it harder for the Slovenian to ride away from the rest of the field as he has in previous editions.
Strade Bianche 2026 route cuts race distance and number of gravel sectors after years of Pogačar dominance
2026-03-07T10:31:42.707Z
And then there’s the factor of the other riders catching up, especially a new generation ready to rise – epitomised by 19-year-old Paul Seixas. Today the stunningly-talented teenager makes his Strade Bianche debut, and is braced for a duel against Pogačar in what could become a great new rivalry.
2026-03-07T10:29:23.745Z
Will this year’s edition be quite so straightforward for Pogačar? Not necessarily. As sublime as the Slovenian has been these past two seasons, those standards he has set are impossibly high to maintain for too long, he inevitably must peak eventually – could that peak have already come?
2026-03-07T10:25:52.152Z
Strade Bianche is also a race Pogačar knows down to a tee, and he’s proven to be unstoppable here in recent years, winning all three of the editions he has started since 2022.
2026-03-07T10:23:53.981Z
He’a back! Almost five months since rounding off another historic season by winning Il Lombardia, Tadej Pogačar is back racing again, and the expectation is for him to pick up from where he left off and start terrorising the opposition once more.
2026-03-04T18:17:51.757Z
Hello and welcome to the 2026 men’s Strade Bianche!
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