This race weaves through dust, stone, and earth as runners push toward the iconic finish on Siena’s Piazza del Campo. The unpaved sectors that puncture the Giro d’Italia route have become the defining challenge, drawing the strongest riders into a monumental test that spans 184 kilometers for the men and 136 kilometers for the women.
Why do they call it the ‘Hell of the South’?
If Paris–Roubaix is nicknamed the ‘Hell of the North’ for its brutal cobbles, Strade Bianche earns the title ‘Hell of the South’ because of its extended stretches of unpaved road through Tuscany. The ride traces a white countryside along the Tuscan roads, one of Italy’s most scenic regions. In the men’s race, more than a dozen of these sectors shape the course, with eight sectors in the women’s event. The toughest moments often come on the unpaved slopes where the route’s boundaries bend the race and ultimately decide its outcome.
Why did it gain fame so quickly?
The appeal lies in the relentless pace over rough terrain and the striking character of the course. Since its professional birth in 2007, Strade Bianche has grown into a prestigious classic, celebrated for its medieval atmosphere and the dramatic finish in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, a setting famous worldwide for the Palio di Siena. A few cycling greats helped shape its early legend with three decisive victories, and the race has continued to attract top talents with its unique terrain and dramatic finish.
Who is competing this year?
The highlight is Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch rider who is making his road classic debut after a blistering cyclo-cross winter season crowned with a world championship. His main rival in the mud, Wout van Aert, had to withdraw from Strade Bianche after a second-place finish at the Cyclo-Cross World Championship and a bout of illness. Former road world champion and Strade Bianche 2019 winner Julian Alaphilippe is among the favourites, alongside Briton Tom Pidcock, the Olympic cross-country mountain bike champion and the last Tour de France stage winner that finished atop Alpe d’Huez.
Who will be the key Spanish figure?
Pello Bilbao leads the Spanish challenge in Strade Bianche, with the veteran Alejandro Valverde having stepped back after last year. Following a strong start to the season, Bilbao rides for Bahrain Victorious and arrives in Siena after a solid Tour Down Under, where he finished strongly. He aims to carry the early 2023 momentum into the South’s smoke and dust, opening the year with a notable third place in the Australian leg of the season opener.
Who is the favorite among the women?
The talk centers on the Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten, who has already shaped a dominant 2022 season by winning the world championship, the Tour, the Giro d’Italia, and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. At 40, she remains the benchmark in the women’s classics, having claimed Strade Bianche victories in 2019 and 2020. She is joined on the podium by fellow contenders such as Blue García and other top riders from Movistar, with Van Vleuten seeking a further landmark weekend in Siena.
What was the race’s origin?
The story begins with L’Eroica, held in Tuscany since 1997, which celebrated riding on unpaved roads with vintage clothing and bikes. The event drew cyclists from around the globe and inspired the creation of a professional Strade Bianche, which has run since 2007, with a women’s edition added in 2015. The race’s character blends history with high-speed modern competition, always anchored by the dramatic finish in Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
Where can it be watched on TV?
Eurosport covers the event for both genders, with the women’s race first and the men’s race following. The broadcast window runs roughly from 11:30 to 17:00, available on Eurosport and through the channel’s streaming app for subscribers. (Source: Strade Bianche organizers)
What other bike events are on the calendar?
The weekend is packed with racing after Paris–Nice kicks things off on Sunday, featuring a marquee showdown between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar. The event known as the Carrera del Sol wraps up on Sunday, March 12, while Tirreno–Adriatico remains a key double-header in the mix. The Italian Strade Bianche takes place from Monday, March 6 to Sunday, March 12, followed by Volta a Catalunya from March 20 to 26, marking a busy stretch of early-season racing in Europe.
This race through dust, stone, and earth leads riders to Siena’s Piazza del Campo, where the finish line crowns the day after grueling unpaved passages and strategic climbs. The course tests both power and patience, rewarding riders who can balance aggression with endurance across Italy’s sunlit countryside. (Source: Strade Bianche organizers)