Strade Bianche never fails. And if ever we needed a reminder, this year’s edition provided that and much more. It’s hard to believe that the race itself is not even 20 years old, but its combination of stunning landscape, beauty and drama are unmatched. Even this season, in a race that seemed all but destined for defending champion Tadej Pogačar, it was a day full of surprises. Be it the intense dusk of the gravel roads, or Pogačar's stunning crash, followed only by his historic comeback, the suspense and drama were plentiful. Once again Strade Bianche demonstrated why it is a modern-day Monument.
Already from the earliest sectors of gravel roads, the dust was flying high, as the lack of recent rain, made this year's Strade one of the dustiest.
The traditional early break rolls past one of the many Italian villas that can seen in this corner of Tuscany.
Despite the sometimes blinding conditions, Tadej Pogačar was easy to spot throughout the day, as distinctive his rainbow jersey rarely left the front of the pack.
Riders splintered off the back from the first sectors of gravel.
Year in and year out, the San Martino in Grania sector is one of the most iconic sections in the race as the riders can be seen cresting the Tuscan hill from more than a kilometer away.
Although Tadej Pogačar was the heavy favourite at the start, Tom Pidcock did not come to ride for second, and he leads them out of the the Monte Sante Marie sector, followed by the impressive Connor Swift.
The drama only increased when Tadej Pogačar crashed spectacularly on a paved second, only to chase back to Tom Pidcock as they entered the races final circuit.
One of the many chasing group hits Le Tolfe climb for the first time amidst a sea of fans and dust.
Knowing his day was done, Tim van Dijke pops a wheelie for the fans at the summit of Le Tolfe climb.
Clearly battered and bruised, Tadej Pogačar makes his way of the Santa Carolina climb less than a kilometer from the finish in Siena, scoring his third and most impressive victory in Strade Bianche.
Even the winner's podium is stunning in Strade Bianche as it is positioned directly under the historic clock tower on the Piazza del Campo in the center of the city, a fitting send off to the day's winners.
