History of Strade Bianche in Timeline

Strade Bianche is a road bicycle race held annually in Tuscany, Italy, since 2007. The race is known for its defining feature: the white gravel roads (strade bianche) that make up roughly one-third of the total race distance, approximately 63km spread across 11 sectors. Starting and finishing in Siena, the race takes place on the first or second Saturday of March, challenging cyclists with its unique terrain and scenic backdrop of the Crete Senesi.

1997: Creation of L'Eroica Strade Bianche

In 1997, L'Eroica Strade Bianche was created as a granfondo for vintage bikes only, on the white gravel roads around Siena. This recreational bike race is still held on the day after the professional race.

2007: Angelo Zomegnan on the race

In 2007, Angelo Zomegnan stated that the race is unique and special.

2007: First held

In 2007, the Strade Bianche road bicycle race was first held in Tuscany, Italy. The race starts and finishes in Siena and is held annually on the first or second Saturday of March.

2007: First Professional Race

In 2007, the first professional race, called Monte Paschi Eroica, was held on October 9. Alexandr Kolobnev won the race, which started in Gaiole in Chianti and finished in Siena. Fiorenzo Magni and Paolo Bettini promoted the event, and Monte dei Paschi was the title sponsor.

2008: Fabian Cancellara Wins

In 2008, the race moved to early March on the calendar, and Swiss cyclist Fabian Cancellara won the second edition.

2009: Name Change to Strade Bianche – Eroica Toscana

In 2009, the organizers changed the name of the race to Strade Bianche – Eroica Toscana.

2010: Name Change to Strade Bianche and Lengthening of Race

In 2010, the name of the race was changed to Strade Bianche. The race was also lengthened by 9 km, and one more gravel sector was added, bringing the total to 57 km.

2013: Moreno Moser Becomes First Italian Winner

Moreno Moser became the first Italian winner of the Strade Bianche in the 2013 race.

2014: Start Moved to San Gimignano

In 2014, the start of the race was moved to the hilly town of San Gimignano.

2015: Inauguration of the Strade Bianche Donne

In 2015, the Strade Bianche Donne was inaugurated as part of the UCI Women's World Tour. The race is run over 136 km, containing 50 km of gravel roads. Megan Guarnier won the inaugural event.

2015: Name Change and UCI Upgrade

In 2015, the race name officially changed to Strade Bianche – Eroica Pro after the creation of a women's version. The UCI also upgraded the event to a 1.HC race of the UCI Europe Tour.

2015: Europe's most southern Northern Classic

In 2015, the race was called Europe's most southern Northern Classic

2016: Cancellara's Third Victory

Classics specialist Fabian Cancellara won the tenth edition in 2016, becoming the first three-time winner of the race. A gravel sector was named after him.

2016: 52 km of gravel

In 2016, the race featured 52 km of gravel.

2016: Siena Hosts Start and Finish

Since 2016, Siena has hosted both the start and finish of the Strade Bianche.

2017: Inclusion in UCI World Tour

In 2017, the Strade Bianche was included in the UCI World Tour. Michał Kwiatkowski claimed his second victory, becoming the second rider with more than one win.

2018: Tiesj Benoot Wins in Abysmal Weather

The 2018 event was raced in abysmal weather with low temperatures and heavy rainfall. Tiesj Benoot claimed his first professional victory. Only 53 of 147 participants finished the race.