Strade Bianche 2025: A Grueling Test on Tuscan Gravel

The 19th edition of Strade Bianche on March 8, 2025, promises a challenging race across the picturesque, yet demanding, terrain of Tuscany. For the first time, the route will exceed 80km of white gravel roads, testing the riders’ skill and endurance. The race traverses a total of ten municipalities, showcasing the region’s beauty and cultural heritage.

Key Municipalities Along the Route

The race passes through several historically meaningful municipalities, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Siena (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Starting and finishing point, adding past importance.
• Sovicille
• monteroni d’Arbia
• murlo
• Buonconvento
• Montalcino: Known for its Brunello wine production, offering a taste of Tuscan culinary excellence.
• San Quirico d’Orcia
• Pienza (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Famous for its renaissance architecture and pecorino cheese.
• Asciano
• Castelnuovo Berardenga

New Gravel sector: Serravalle

The 2025 edition introduces the “Serravalle sector,” a new gravel section designed to add another layer of difficulty to both the men’s and women’s races. This change follows last year’s alterations, which included increased total distance and double ascents of Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe.

According to race organizers, this modification substantially impacts the race’s middle section. For the men’s race, the “Serravalle sector” is strategically placed between the “Pieve a Salti” (6th sector, 8 km) and “San Martino in Grania” (8th sector, 9.5 km), just before the iconic “Monte Sante Marie” (9th sector, 11.5 km). The new sector, the “7th sector,” begins 99 km into the race, stretching 9.3 km with an uphill start. This positioning is designed to test riders before the crucial final segments, possibly reshaping the race dynamics.

In the women’s race,the “Serravalle section” will be the “5th sector,” immediately following “la Piana” (4th sector,6.4 km).

Estimated Times at Key Points

Predicting the race flow can provide insight into when crucial moments will occur for both races.

2025 Women’s Race Schedule

• Start – Siena (Fortezza Medicea): 09:45
• La Piana: 11:02
• Serravalle: 11:08
• San Martino in Grania: 11:36
• Colle Pinzuto: 12:21
• Le Tolfe: 12:30
• Colle Pinzuto 2: 13:16
• Finish – Siena (Piazza del Campo): 13:44

2025 Men’s Race Schedule

• Start – Siena (Fortezza Medicea): 11:20
• La Piana: 12:26
• Pieve a Salti: 13:35
• Serravalle: 13:45
• San Martino in Grania: 14:08
• Monte Sante Marie: 14:36
• Colle Pinzuto: 15:34
• Colle Pinzuto 2: 16:21
• Le Tolfe: 16:28
• Finish – Siena (Piazza del Campo): 16:45

The Decisive Final Sectors: Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe

the “Colle Pinzuto” (2.4 km, all uphill, with gradients up to 15%) and “le Tolfe” (1.1 km, with a 500m climb reaching 18% gradients) sectors are well-known as the traditional final off-road challenges of Strade Bianche. Last year, a “loop” was introduced, forcing riders to tackle these grueling sections “twice,” amplifying the physical and tactical demands of the race.

Preparation and strategy for the 2025 Race

With the addition of the Serravalle sector and the repeated climbs of Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe, riders will need to focus on comprehensive preparation. This includes:

• Enhanced Climbing Ability: Given the uphill start to Serravalle and the repeated ascents of Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe, strong climbing skills are essential.Riders should incorporate hill repeats and sustained climbing efforts into their training regimes.
• Gravel Riding Expertise: Mastering bike handling on gravel is crucial. “Practice on similar terrain” is key to building confidence and skill.
• Strategic Tire Choice: Selecting the appropriate tire width and pressure can significantly impact performance. Wider tires at lower pressures can improve grip and comfort on gravel roads.

Strade Bianche 2025 promises to be a thrilling and demanding race,with the new Serravalle sector adding an extra layer of challenge. Be sure to follow the race on March 8th to witness the epic battles on the white gravel roads of Tuscany!. Consider tuning in early to witness these challenges firsthand.

Which rider, currently on the circuit, do you believe is best suited to conquer the enhanced challenges of Strade Bianche 2025, and why?

Strade Bianche 2025: An Interview with Gravel Guru, Elena Lombardi

The 2025 edition of Strade Bianche promises to be one of the most challenging yet, with the addition of the new Serravalle gravel sector. To get an expert perspective,we sat down with Elena Lombardi,a renowned cycling coach specializing in gravel racing,to discuss the race dynamics and rider preparation.

Understanding the Impact of the New Serravalle Sector

Archyde News: Elena, thanks for joining us. The big news for Strade Bianche 2025 is the introduction of the Serravalle gravel sector. How substantially do you think this will impact both the men’s and women’s races?

Elena Lombardi: It’s a game-changer, without a doubt. Strategically placed, Serravalle throws a wrench into the riders’ rhythm, notably for the men, positioned before the legendary Monte Sante Marie. The uphill start to the sector is especially punishing.For the women, slotting it in after La Piana will force an early test of legs and tactical awareness. It ensures no one is cruising; pressure will be high early on.

Key Municipalities and Race Strategy

Archyde News: The race passes through several historically rich municipalities like Siena, the start and finish location, and Pienza, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Montalcino, known for its Brunello wine. How does this unique Tuscan backdrop affect the rider strategy, beyond just the physical demands?

Elena Lombardi: The beauty adds to the race’s allure, but strategically, these regions reflect the terrain. The undulating roads between these towns are where riders can position themselves effectively. Recognizing the nuances of each sector, understanding where shelter can be found against the wind, and maximizing efficiency on slightly smoother sections become vital. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one. Riders must stay present despite the fatigue and maintain a connection with their support team.

Preparation Strategies for Strade bianche 2025

Archyde News: Given the increased gravel distance and the repeated climbs of Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe, what specific training adaptations are crucial for riders aiming for success in 2025?

Elena Lombardi: First and foremost, enhanced climbing ability is non-negotiable. Think hill repeats and sustained climbing simulations mimicking the gradients of Colle Pinzuto and Serravalle’s uphill start. Second, gravel riding expertise is vital. Spend hours on gravel, perfecting bike handling and line choice in varying conditions. don’t underestimate tire choice.Wider tires at lower pressures offer improved grip and comfort on gravel roads, crucial for conserving energy over those demanding kilometers.

The Decisive Final Sectors: Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe

Archyde News: Last year’s “loop” on Colle pinzuto and Le Tolfe amplified the difficulty. How should riders approach these final sectors,and what specific skills are tested here?

Elena Lombardi: These are the race-deciding sectors,demanding a combination of power,bike handling,and mental fortitude. Riders need to pace themselves strategically, saving enough energy for these brutal climbs. Short, punchy bursts of power are essential, but maintaining composure and avoiding costly mistakes on the descents is equally meaningful. It frequently enough comes down to who can suffer the most, while still making smart decisions.

Predictions and a Thought-Provoking Question for Our Readers

Archyde News: Any predictions for Strade Bianche 2025?

Elena Lombardi: The addition of Serravalle favors riders equally cozy on both the climbs and gravel. It could open the door for younger riders who have the gravel racing background. It depends on who comes into it with solid fitness and no crashes, since sometimes luck plays a huge role in races like these. I’m excited to see how the riders react to the longer stretches of gravel.

Archyde News: Thank you for your insights, Elena. One last question for our readers: Which rider, currently on the circuit, do you believe is best suited to conquer the enhanced challenges of Strade Bianche 2025, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!