After the dust has settled: Images from Strade Bianche

After the dust has settled: Images from Strade Bianche

It's one of the most beautiful races in the calendar, and this year did not disappoint.

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

I was ecstatic to finally get a chance to cover the legendary Strade Bianche race on a motorbike this year, excited by the many possibilities it would offer for new vantage points. Instead, myself and my Italian driver Simone spent much of the day on the backfoot, getting caught behind the peloton too often and getting sent away by a commissaire just when it was our turn to shoot from the front of the race. 

Regardless of the frustrations, it is a day I will never forget. Despite mid-week rain, the legendary white roads of Tuscany still turned up plenty of dust as soon as the race hit. 

Read more: Why Tom Pidcock pure, instinctive Strade Bianche attack was bike racing at its best

Then, of course, there was the racing, with Tom Pidcock putting in a ride that won’t be forgotten any time soon. Attacking from more than 50 kilometers out, he never gave his opponents a chance to respond. Pidcock received a hero's welcome as he powered up the final climb into Siena, delivering one of his best rides to date in his blossoming career. 

Thomas Pidcock at the start of the 2023 Strade BianchePidcock was relaxed at the start as he signed in with his Ineos Grenadiers team at the Fortezza Medicea in Siena.

The peloton attacking on the white roads of TuscanyThe peloton attacked on one of the first sections of the iconic white roads.

Three riders in the breakaway on a gravel section of Strade BiancheAt the front is often the best place to be as the day’s early breakaway riders can attest.

Riding racing through the dust at Strade BiancheBut behind the race was certainly no place to be.

The men's peloton racing through Tuscany Old Tuscan farmhouses dotted the landscape, offering their undeniable charm.

The famous white roads of Strade BiancheThe San Martino di Grania is one of the longest and most feared sections of gravel in the Strade Bianche. 

Mathieu van der Poel racing during Strade BianchePre-race favorite Mathieu van der Poel appeared to ride easily at the front for much of the race, but within a few kilometers his chance to win the Strade Bianche slipped away.

Pidcock on attack at Strade BiancheGoing on the attack midway through the Monte Sainte Marie section, Pidcock instantly opened a gap and took control of the race.

Peter Sagan racing on a gravel section of Strade BianchePeter Sagan making his last appearance at Strade Bianche.

Racers during Strade BiancheFrenchman Valentin Madouas proved to be one of the day’s big surprises, putting in a spirited chase that earned him second place.

Thomas Pidcock riding up the final climb into Siena Pidcock powers up the final climb in Siena, knowing that victory will soon be his.

Other riders climbing up the final climbFormer winner Tiesj Benoot leads the first chase group up the final climb. He would have to settle for third this year.

Other riders heading up the final climbAccelerating in the final meters into Siena, Mattieu van der Poel (right) had to settle for 15th.

Thomas Pidcock in the final metres After cresting the final climb, Pidcock headed for the finish on the historic Campo in Siena.

Photos: James Startt Words: James Startt

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