CYCLING – A week after the first cobbled races in Belgium, Bahrain Victorious is set to return to the legendary Tuscan gravel roads of Strade Bianche this weekend.
Tomorrow the team will be on the startline for the iconic race that marks the opening of the WorldTour racing season in Italy.
After the start from the historic Fortezza Medicea in Siena, the action will unfold through the Crete Senesi with its challenging course of dirty white roads and punchy climbs, that define this race as ‘Europe’s most southern northern classic’, before culminating at the Piazza del Campo in the same city where it began.
The 2024 edition promises even greater challenges than previously, with organisers unveiling a redesigned course that surpasses 200 kilometres for the first time. The demanding route spans a total of 215km, encompassing 71km of gravel roads spit between 15 sectors, including a final circuit to be tackled twice, promising an exhilarating spectacle for riders and spectators alike.
“The race will undoubtedly pose greater challenges this year, with its extended length and more than 4,000 metres of elevation gain,” explains sports director Roman Kreuziger. “Strade Bianche is a new Classic, but with the potential to become a monument. It promises to be a spectacular race, provided the weather holds, and our riders execute their strategy. While we are optimistic about various opportunities, Matej Mohoric is our clear leader.”
Mohoric will receive support from a young and enthusiastic line-up, including Nicolò Buratti, Matevž Govekar, Fran Miholjevic, Torstein Træen, and Edoardo Zambanini, alongside the experienced Andrea Pasqualon assuming the role of road captain.
“We have a group of young talents ready to provide support. The team is motivated and eager to embrace the challenges of the white roads,” adds Kreuziger. “We are anticipating a strong performance. Success on these demanding roads not only requires physical prowess but also, a stroke of luck. Our riders have demonstrated good form in recent races, racing cohesively as a team. Positioning is key to success. Our goal is to fulfil the roles of the riders and fight for a top-five finish, but, of course, we aim to emerge as winners. Even acknowledging strong contenders, if we play smart, I’m confident we can be up there in the final and compete for victory.”
As Mohoric embarks on his 7th appearance at ‘Le Strade’, he brings with him the title of Gravel World Champion, a confidence booster as he aims to improve on his 6th-place finish last year. He has high hopes for the day.
“With a new race course this year, the dynamics have changed compared to past editions. The increased length may favour lighter climbers and GC specialists. However, much depends on our strategy on Saturday. I feel in good form, although the results from the Opening Weekend were not as expected. I approach the race with cautious ambition, determined to perform well and contend for victory,” said Mohoric