The Strade Bianche Women's race is a thrilling one-day classic, celebrating its 12th edition this year. But who will conquer the iconic gravel roads and claim victory? Will Demi Vollering secure her third win, or will the formidable teams SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike challenge her dominance?
Demi Vollering's Dominance:
Demi Vollering, riding for FDJ United-SUEZ, has kicked off the season with a bang. With her team's early success, including Ally Wollaston's wins in Australia and New Zealand, and Vollering's overall title at Vuelta Ciclista Setmana and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, they've showcased remarkable teamwork. Vollering, with her eyes on the Tour de France in August, has strategically reduced her racing schedule to focus on select spring classics, aiming for the top step of the podium.
Having already achieved her first goal by winning Omloop, Vollering is the undeniable favorite for Strade Bianche. As the two-time winner in 2023 and 2025, she knows the recipe for success on the challenging gravel roads.
Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney's Challenge:
Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, riding for Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto, finished second to Vollering at Omloop. She was the only rider to match Vollering's attack on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, indicating her readiness for Strade Bianche. The rivalry between Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney has produced captivating races in the Spring Classics and the Tour de France, where they've both tasted victory.
Niewiadoma-Phinney, the Polish Champion, has consistently performed well at Strade Bianche, with four podium finishes and nine top-10s in 11 starts. However, she is yet to win this Italian classic, and a victory would mean a lot to her, as she's been chasing this dream for a long time.
Powerhouse Duos:
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Marianne Vos of Visma-Lease a Bike are a force to be reckoned with. Ferrand-Prévot, a former mountain bike star, had a remarkable return to road cycling last year, winning Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France. She will focus on select races during the Spring Classics, starting with Strade Bianche. Her third-place finish last year, behind Vollering and Anna van der Breggen, highlights her adaptability and strength.
Vos, a 14-time world champion across various disciplines, is still going strong in her 20th year as an elite pro. With stage wins at the Vuelta and Tour, and a second-place finish at Milan-San Remo, she will likely prioritize the Spring Classics. The duo's fine-tuned racing dynamics make them a serious threat.
Anna van der Breggen and Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx-Protime are another powerful duo. Van der Breggen, a four-time Giro winner, returned to road racing last year and finished second to Vollering in Siena. Despite not replicating past successes, she acknowledged the peloton's increased strength. With a full year of road racing experience, she co-leads SD Worx-Protime at Strade Bianche, aiming for her second title.
Kopecky, a two-time Strade Bianche winner, is a wildcard during the Spring Classics. After mechanical issues at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, she'll be eager to make a statement in Siena. Together, they provide SD Worx-Protime with multiple strategic options.
Italian Champion's Quest:
Italian Champion Elisa Longo Borghini, riding for UAE Team ADQ, has a strong record at Strade Bianche, with four podium finishes. She arrives in top form, having won the UAE Tour for the second consecutive year. With back-to-back Paris-Roubaix wins in 2022 and a second Tour of Flanders victory in 2024, she's a force to be reckoned with.
Rising Stars and National Champions:
Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Premier Tech seamlessly transitions from cyclo-cross to road racing. With a strong team, including Millie Couzens and Charlotte Kool, she's a contender for victory in Siena. Pieterse's stage win at the Tour de France and Flèche Wallonne triumph showcase her capabilities.
Kim Le Court-Pienaar, the Mauritian national champion, leads AG Insurance-Soudal. Her top form, evident at the UAE Tour, and impressive performances at major races make her a rider to watch. Last year's top-10 finishes in five one-day races and her Liège-Bastogne-Liège victory demonstrate her versatility.
Magdeleine Vallieres, the new World Champion, will wear her rainbow jersey in Siena. After a strong start to the season, fans hope to see a repeat of her brave breakaway performance that earned her the world title. Keep an eye out for her in decisive breakaways.
As the Strade Bianche Women's race approaches, the competition is fierce. Will Vollering secure her third win, or will the powerful duos of SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike, along with other contenders, challenge her reign? And this is the part most fans are eagerly anticipating. Who will conquer the gravel roads of Tuscany and claim the prestigious victory?
