The preliminary startlist for Strade Bianche 2026 has been released, signaling a fierce battle on the white roads of Tuscany. Scheduled for 7 March, the 20th edition of this modern classic features a field that bridges the gap between established legends and the next generation of cycling talent.
Three-time winner Tadej Pogacar headlines the roster, entering the spring campaign on terrain where his aggressive tactics have historically excelled. He faces stiff competition from Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, and Richard Carapaz, alongside a dense field of puncheurs and Classics specialists.
Recent Dominance on the Sterrato
Despite its shorter history compared to cycling’s Monuments, Strade Bianche has cultivated an elite reputation. Pogacar has defined the recent era, securing victories in 2024 and 2025 through relentless long-range attacks. His dominance in Siena has made him the undisputed benchmark for the gravel sectors.
“The white roads have quickly built a roll of honour packed with elite names.”
Also read: How to Watch Strade Bianche 2026
Tom Pidcock remains a primary threat, having secured a solo win in 2023 by utilizing his superior bike handling. The race remains a playground for versatile climbers who can survive the steep gradients of Via Santa Caterina, where endurance and boldness often determine the victor.
Key Contenders and Team Strategies
UAE Team Emirates XRG arrives with multiple tactical options to support Pogacar. The inclusion of Isaac del Toro, Jan Christen, and Felix Grossschartner allows the team to exert pressure early in the gravel sectors. Team Visma | Lease a Bike counters with the powerful duo of Van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson. Van Aert possesses the specific climbing punch required to neutralize Pogacar on the critical Tuscan hills.
Tom Pidcock leads Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, returning to a course that rewards his explosive acceleration. Meanwhile, EF Education – EasyPost relies on the attacking instincts of Richard Carapaz and Ben Healy, both of whom are known for instigating moves far from the finish line.
- Matej Mohoric anchors Bahrain Victorious with his technical descending skills.
- Valentin Madouas and Romain Gregoire lead the French hopes for Groupama – FDJ.
- Emerging talent Paul Seixas represents the new wave of challengers for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.
Also read: Strade Bianche 2026 Odds and Favorites
Official 2026 Startlist
| Team | Riders |
|---|---|
| UAE Team Emirates XRG | Pogacar, Del Toro, Christen, Grossschartner, Novak, Vermaerke, Vermeersch |
| Team Visma | Lease a Bike | Van Aert, Jorgenson, Fiorelli, Graat, Kielich, Mattio, Rex |
| Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team | Pidcock, Azparren, Bax, Gonzalez, Hermans, Meurisse, Vader |
| EF Education – EasyPost | Carapaz, Healy, Albanese, Honore, Nerurkar, Shaw, Valgren |
| Soudal – Quick-Step | Vansevenant, Garofoli, Lecerf, Reinderink, Svrcek, Vervaeke, Zana |
| Bahrain Victorious | Mohoric, Bilbao, Eulalio, Miholjevic, Miquel, Valter, Zambanini |
| Lidl – Trek | Bagioli, Konrad, Mollema, Mosca, Simmons, Sobrero, Philipsen |
| Tudor Pro Cycling | Alaphilippe, Thalmann, Voisard, Warbasse, Weiss, Wilksch, Wirtgen |
Follow TipsGG for live updates and technical analysis as the peloton takes on the Tuscan gravel.