'Why did they mess up Strade Bianche so badly?' Patrick Lefevere criticises organisers' recent route choices

Patrick Lefevere, the long-serving General Manager of Soudal Quick-Step, has publicly lambasted the organisers of Strade Bianche for what he perceives as a detrimental alteration to the race’s route. Speaking to *CyclingNews*, Lefevere expressed his frustration that the "golden formula" of the Italian classic has been "ripped up for no good reason," specifically citing changes that he believes have diluted the race's unique character and strategic demands.

Lefevere's criticism isn't isolated; it taps into a broader sentiment among some cycling purists who feel that certain iconic races are being modernised at the expense of their historical identity. Strade Bianche, a relatively young classic, quickly established itself with its distinctive white gravel roads and undulating Tuscan terrain. Its rapid ascent to WorldTour status was predicated on a challenging, unpredictable route that consistently produced thrilling racing, and any deviation from that formula naturally invites scrutiny from figures like Lefevere, whose teams have often excelled in such conditions.

Ultimately, Lefevere's lament is less about personal preference and more about preserving the essence of a race that had, until recently, seemed untouchable. One might suggest that if it isn't broken, perhaps it doesn't require fixing.