Tom Pidcock stands out as one of cycling’s brightest talents of a new era. At 23, he marks a generation that has already begun to rewrite what is possible on two wheels, following the trail blazed by Tadej Pogacar. Strade Bianche, a race long associated with the white gravel of Tuscany, provided the stage where Pidcock’s bold attack, launched with 50 kilometers to go, carried him to a memorable victory. He shook off relentless chases and rode solo to the finish, claiming the win in a dramatic, decisive ride.
Relating to
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La Strade Bianche or ‘Hell of the South’: you are dust and you will be dust
Pidcock remains an under-recognized force in a sport where players often diversify across cyclocross, mountain biking, road racing, and the growing gravel scene. He already holds Olympic mountain bike gold and the 2022 cyclocross world title, and his name now sits among the sport’s most versatile talents. Notably, he won the Alpe d’Huez stage in the Tour, a feat marked by a technical descent from Galibier that has become a benchmark for cycling schools worldwide.
Tom’s Trio Anthem. @tompidcock If he opens Sienna.
Pidcock’s triumphant journey. Siena is at your feet. #TradeBianche @CA_Ita
— Strade Bianche (@StradeBianche) March 4, 2023
Another young rider from the Andorra region joined the race this weekend, and he marked his first major classic at Strade Bianche, a one-day race that shines on the World Tour calendar. The route winds through rolling countryside and gravel sections, finishing in the medieval city of Siena at the iconic Piazza del Campo, a finish that has become one of cycling’s most photographed moments.
@tompidcock #TradeBianche @CA_Ita
— Strade Bianche (@StradeBianche) March 4, 2023
Pidcock arrived at Strade Bianche in a solo escape, where the essence of the race — a blend of epic effort and occasional pain — was on full display. Like a small, nimble mouse darting through a pack, he trusted his strength, staying ahead as the peloton chased. The attack came in bursts, and though many watched with skepticism, the English rider refused to fade. In the end, he stood alone atop the podium, sending a clear message that his ambition stretches beyond this year’s classics, and perhaps into a broader range of one-day races rather than grand tours, at least for now.
His victory at Strade Bianche hinted at a broader year ahead, with the same relentless drive that could push him toward a remarkable season in the classics and beyond. In the women’s race, Dutch rider Demi Vollering took the top spot, while Movistar’s Annemiek van Vleuten crossed in fifth, underscoring the depth and drama that defined the event.