Strade Bianche + Gran Fondo Strade Bianche

The Northern Classic in the heart of Tuscany

The Strade Bianche is an international cycling race held every March in the hills of the Province of Siena, in Tuscany. Established in 2007, in just over a decade it has become one of the most beloved races on the professional calendar, so much so that many riders and fans consider it the "sixth monument classic." Its charm stems from the famous sterrato sectors—the white gravel roads that give the race its name—which cross the unique landscape of the Crete Senesi, recognized worldwide for its rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, and isolated farmhouses.

Castelnuovo Berardenga on the route

The territory of the Municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga is one of the most picturesque and challenging areas of the route. The race passes through the localities of Monteaperti, Vallina, Pacina, Barca, Guistrigona, and Torre a Castello, with gravel sections that put the riders to the test. The descent of Monteaperti, in particular, has become legendary for its moments of pure competitive tension. Provincial and municipal roads in the area are subject to temporary traffic changes during the passage of the races.

A weekend of great cycling

The event spans two days. Saturday features the professional races: the men's Strade Bianche, starting and finishing in Siena, and the Strade Bianche Women Élite, a top-tier women's event included in the UCI Women's WorldTour calendar. Sunday is dedicated to amateurs with the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, allowing thousands of cycling tourists to experience the thrill of riding on the same gravel roads as the great champions.

Finish in Piazza del Campo

Both the professional races and the Gran Fondo have their finale in the most scenic setting imaginable: the Piazza del Campo in Siena, with its famous brick shell shape and the Torre del Mangia as a backdrop. The final ramp of Via Santa Caterina, steep and grueling, launches the riders toward the finish line, often resulting in memorable sprints and attacks.

Tradition and territory

The Strade Bianche is much more than a race: it is a celebration of the Tuscan landscape and the culture of the Sienese Chianti. The Municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, a land of vineyards and great wines, welcomes enthusiasts from all over the world every year, combining sporting spectacle with the gastronomic and cultural discovery of one of Italy's most fascinating territories.