Strade Bianche gallery: A double dose of Tuscany's stunning white roads

This past weekend, the iconic white roads of Tuscany once again played host to Strade Bianche, with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) dominating the men's race, securing a solo victory after a prodigious 81km attack. In the women's event, Elise Chabbey (Canyon-SRAM Racing) surprised many by taking a hard-fought win, marking a significant moment for both riders and their respective teams on one of cycling's most picturesque, yet brutal, courses.

Pogačar's performance further solidifies his reputation as a generational talent, reminiscent of his 2022 Strade Bianche victory, and signals ominous form ahead of the spring classics and Grand Tours. Chabbey's win, however, represents a breakthrough, elevating her from a strong support rider and time trialist to a classics contender, especially given the absence of some expected favourites. It underscores the increasing depth and unpredictability within the women's peloton.

Pogačar's audacity was expected; Chabbey's triumph, a refreshing reminder that even on the most predictable roads, cycling retains its capacity for genuine surprise.