The 18th edition of Strade Bianche starts in Siena on Saturday. Title holder, Tom Pidcock will have to face an extremely tough field this year including Tadej Pogacar, Julian Alaphilippe and Valentin Madouas.
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A year after the coronation of Tom Pidcock, the Strade Bianche are back, Saturday March 2. The Briton will be present to defend his title against a tough field, led by Tadej Pogacar. For his first race of the season, the double winner of the Tour de France returns to roads where he won in 2022. Another former winner in Siena, the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe will start as leader of the Soudal-Quick Step, in a delicate context following the harsh comments of his manager Patrick Lefevere. Having fallen on the roads of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad a week ago, the former world champion is not in sparkling form, but could get back on track on a route he likes.
Among the French teams, Valentin Madouas is one of the main chances of victory. Second last year on the roads of Siena, the French champion is aiming for a second World Tour victory in his career after the Bretagne Classic 2023. The French sprinter Christophe Laporte is also one of the men to watch, he who will show off his jersey European champion for the third time this season after two places of honor on Omloop (5th) and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne (4th).
Follow the race live.
