This is a race I really want to get over and watch someday. It is Italy’s answer to the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. The Strade Bianche (White Road) is a very new race (only since 2007) but has quickly become a staple in the early classics season here in Europe. The race is nearly 200 km long and has around 70 km of gravel roads (the ‘bianche’ part) that make the day interesting. It also doesn’t hurt that it finishes in the incredible Piazza del Campo in Siena.
Look for a star-studded line-up, too, including Gilbert, Evans, Cancellara, Nibali, Van Summeren, as well as a ton of Italians I’ve never heard of.
Eurosport will have an hour of live coverage and I’m sure you could find something Italian streaming someplace online. Try Steephill or Cycling Fans closer to Saturday.
The Vicious Cycle 
Great if dry and sunny – if wet: http://gerardvroomen.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/20102868_130136.jpg
Not so ‘bianche’ anymore…let’s hope for rain!
What I like about this is you could see the race multiple times!
Hey Gerry – I’ve stayed in this area of Tuscany (Castellina in Chianti – North of Siena) many times and cycled on many of these roads. In fact, one of my most memorable rides went through the village of Gaiole in Chianti. Nothing but flawless pavement and BIG hills! You’d love it there.
I think once I get a car I’ll get us over there for some riding. Why don’t you plan another trip over there and give me some motivation?
I still want to come back to the South of France. So many places to ride, so little time.
Great, the cyclists will be nicely warmed up for Paris-Nice which we’re planning to see next Tuesday!
Just booked the Etap hotel in Nice for Saturday, so we’ll get to see a stage or two as well. Now, the rain just needs to hold off…
For those who missed it, here are the last 12km in two clips:
fabian looking lean super lean
he a different rider than before..i wont bet against him for the classics
ive been to siena twice cycling its a lovely place to visit.great pasta wine and roads good times
Must get over there before the race becomes too popular. I saw a video of a few years ago and the Piazza in Sienna looked nearly deserted. I’m sure it’s not like that anymore.
i cant get over how few people there were on the final climb where he made his winning move….bet it catches on and will be as thronged as the kopenberg in the coming years
great race to watch
I’ll bet that climb is good and packed, 6 years after your comment above.
I’ve been out of 3G range all weekend, so didn’t know the results till now. I’m going to see if I can DL the race and watch it next week on the trainer, but thanks for sharing the link.