Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Strade Bianche 2025
Strade Bianche has quickly established itself as one of the most iconic races in world cycling. Despite its relative youth—only 19 editions of the men's race and 11 of the women's have been contested—the race has achieved an almost monumental status thanks to its demanding route, gravel roads through stunning landscapes, and its spectacular finish in Siena. The climb up Via Santa Caterina, with ramps reaching 16%, is the final major challenge before the finish line in the majestic Piazza del Campo, where the race culminates.
Men's race: route and favorites
The men’s race covers 213 kilometers, 82 of which are on the famous “strade bianche,” compacted white-dust roads, divided into 16 sectors. The final kilometer includes the cobbled climb of Via Santa Caterina (0.7 km at 9.1%), with slopes of up to 16%. In total, the race accumulates 3,700 meters of elevation gain.
Tadej Pogačar (1200) is the big favorite, especially since neither Mathieu Van der Poel (800) nor Wout Van Aert (1200) will be competing. Thomas Pidcock (800), Maxim Van Gils (600), Valentin Madouas (600), Romain Grégoire (600), Matej Mohorič (800), Pello Bilbao (800), Ben Healy (600), Attila Valter (200), and Alberto Bettiol (400) are strong candidates for a top-10 finish.
Women’s race: route and favorites
The women’s race covers 136 kilometers with 2,300 meters of elevation gain. The women must overcome 13 gravel sectors, and the final part of the race and the finish in Siena are identical to the men’s race.
Demi Vollering (1200), Elisa Longo Borghini (1200), Katarzyna Niewiadoma (1200), Cecile Uttrup Ludwig (1000), Anna Van Der Breggen (200), Puck Pieterse (600), Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (200), Riejanne Markus (800), Mavi Garcia (800), and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (800) are among the favorites in an impressive start list.
Photo: © Strade Bianche
