Strade Bianche 2025 Contenders: Who Will Conquer the White Roads of Tuscany?

Introduction

Strade Bianche, the “Race of the White Roads,” is one of cycling’s most breathtaking and brutal events. With its punishing gravel sectors, leg-sapping climbs, and dramatic finishes in Siena’s Piazza del Campo, the 2025 edition is already shaping up to be a showdown of grit and strategy. From defending champions to rising stars, we break down the riders most likely to dominate Strade Bianche 2025.

The Course: Why Strade Bianche Is Unique

• Distance: ~184km (Men) / ~136km (Women)
• Gravel Sectors: 11 sectors (63km total) of sterrati, including the infamous Monte Sante Marie.
• Final Climb: Via Santa Caterina (16% gradient) leads to the finish in Siena’s medieval square.
• 2025 Tweaks: Rumors suggest a longer Sector 5 (Monte Sante Marie) to test endurance.

Men’s Race: Top Contenders

1. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)

• 2024 Result: Winner (attacked on Monte Sante Marie).
• Why He’s a Threat: Unmatched climbing prowess and tactical aggression.
• 2025 Edge: If he targets the race as a Tour de France warm-up, he’ll be unstoppable.

2. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck)

• 2024 Result: 2nd (out-sprinted by Pogačar).
• Why He’s a Threat: Explosive power on short climbs and gravel technical skills.
• 2025 Edge: Improved team support for the final 50km.

3. Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers)

• 2024 Result: 5th (mechanical on Sector 8).
• Why He’s a Threat: Cyclocross mastery translates to gravel dominance.
• 2025 Edge: Focus on one-day classics after shifting away from GC ambitions.

4. Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step)

• 2024 Result: DNF (crashed early).
• Why He’s a Threat: Resurgent form and fearless descending.
• 2025 Edge: A contract year could spark his trademark attacks.

Dark Horses

• Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious): Descending wizardry on gravel.
• Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost): Breakaway specialist with a punchy finish.
• Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny): If he improves climbing, his sprint could stun.

Women’s Race: Top Contenders

1. Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)

• 2024 Result: Winner (solo attack on Via Santa Caterina).
• Why She’s a Threat: Unbeatable in one-day races when on form.
• 2025 Edge: Leadership role if Demi Vollering shifts focus.

2. Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime)

• 2024 Result: 3rd (team tactics backfired).
• Why She’s a Threat: Climbing strength and relentless consistency.
• 2025 Edge: A point to prove after 2024’s near-miss.

3. Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek)

• 2024 Result: 4th (aggressive but outnumbered).
• Why She’s a Threat: Loves grueling courses and has home-road advantage.
• 2025 Edge: Lidl-Trek’s classics-focused squad.

4. Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck)

• 2024 Result: 8th (debut).
• Why She’s a Threat: Cyclocross pedigree and rapid improvement on gravel.
• 2025 Edge: A year wiser and stronger.

Dark Horses

• Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek): Versatile and hungry for a breakout win.
• Marlen Reusser (SD Worx-Protime): Time trial power for long-range attacks.
• Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek): Experience and tactical savvy.

Key Factors That Could Decide the Race

1. Weather: Rain turns the sterrati into mud, favoring technical riders like Pidcock or Pieterse.
2. Team Tactics: SD Worx’s dominance vs. UAE/Ineos’ firepower.
3. Mechanicals: Tubeless tires and lower pressures (24-28 PSI) reduce puncture risks.
4. The Final 20km: Positioning before the Le Tolfe climb (15% gradient) is critical.

Predictions for Strade Bianche 2025

• Men’s Winner: Tadej Pogačar (if he races). If not, Van der Poel’s explosive finish.
• Women’s Winner: Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx’s tactical flexibility).
• Surprise Package: Puck Pieterse (a future gravel superstar).

How to Watch & Follow

• Date: March 1, 2025 (expected).
• Live Stream: FloBikes/GCN+ (global), Rai Sport (Italy).
• Hashtags: #StradeBianche2025, #WhiteRoads

Conclusion

Strade Bianche 2025 will be a battle of attrition, strategy, and raw passion. Whether Pogačar defends his crown, Kopecky cements her legacy, or a dark horse emerges, the white roads of Tuscany guarantee drama. Who’s your pick?