Strade Bianche
The world-renowned cycling classic on the gravel roads of the Crete Senesi, finishing in Piazza del Campo.
About Strade Bianche
The youngest and most beloved cycling classic
Strade Bianche is an international cycling race on the UCI WorldTour circuit, held every March in Siena, Tuscany. Established in 2007, it has become one of the most prestigious and coveted races for professionals in less than twenty years, to the point where riders and fans alike consider it the "sixth monument" of cycling. Its unique charm stems from the fusion of elite sport and a UNESCO-recognized landscape: the Crete Senesi, with their rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, and isolated farmhouses.
The gravel roads that make history
The race's trademark is its sterrato sectors—the "white roads" that give the race its name. The men's race covers fourteen of these, totaling about 64 kilometers of gravel out of 203 kilometers in total. Some have entered cycling mythology: the incredibly long San Martino in Grania sector, the feared Monte Sante Marie (where the race is often decided), the Colle Pinzuto with gradients up to 15%, and the Le Tolfe sector, with peaks of 18%, just outside the city gates.
The finish in Piazza del Campo
What makes Strade Bianche unmistakable is its finale. Upon returning to the city, riders face the grueling climb of Via Santa Caterina, a short but punishing ramp, before emerging into the most beautiful setting cycling can offer: Siena's Piazza del Campo, with its famous shell-shaped brick square, the Palazzo Pubblico, and the Torre del Mangia framing the finish line. It is in this open-air amphitheater that winners are celebrated before thousands of fans.
A double challenge: men and women
The race day features two major professional events. The Strade Bianche Women Elite, part of the UCI Women's WorldTour, is one of the toughest and most spectacular classics in women's cycling. The men's Strade Bianche concludes the program with a showdown between the world's greatest champions. In recent years, the race has been dominated by Tadej Pogačar, who has claimed victory in Siena multiple times.
Siena, capital of cycling
For one weekend, the Municipality of Siena and the entire Province of Siena become the beating heart of international cycling. The professional race on Saturday is followed on Sunday by the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, an amateur event that opens the same legendary route to thousands of cycling enthusiasts from around the world. It is a unique opportunity to discover the Tuscan territory, combining sporting spectacle with the beauty of the landscape and the great food and wine traditions of the Chianti and Crete Senesi regions.
Strade Bianche — edition 2026
Strade Bianche 2026
The Tuscan cycling weekend took place on March 7 and 8, 2026, based in Siena. On Saturday, March 7, the professional races were held: the Strade Bianche Women Elite (12th edition, approx. 136 km with 11 gravel sectors for about 33 km) and the men's race (20th edition, 203 km with 14 gravel sectors for about 64 km). Both started from the Fortezza Medicea to finish in the spectacular Piazza del Campo.
The men's race
The absolute protagonist was once again Tadej Pogačar: the world champion launched an attack from afar on the Monte Sante Marie, going on to win solo in Siena for the fourth time. The podium was completed by Frenchman Paul Seixas in second place and Mexican Isaac del Toro in third.
Women Elite and Gran Fondo
In the women's event, victory went to the Swiss rider Elise Chabbey, ahead of Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Franziska Koch. On Sunday, March 8, it was time for the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, starting from the Fortezza Medicea and finishing in Piazza del Campo: participants could choose between the Gran Fondo route of about 137.7 km (2,000 m elevation gain, 10 gravel sectors) and the Medio Fondo of about 87 km (1,350 m elevation gain, 6 sectors).
Programme Strade Bianche 2026
- Saturday, March 7 — Strade Bianche Women Elite (12th ed.): start from Fortezza Medicea at 10:15 AM, 136 km, 11 gravel sectors (~33 km), finish in Piazza del Campo
- Saturday, March 7 — Men's Strade Bianche (20th ed.): start from Fortezza Medicea at 11:40 AM, 203 km, 14 gravel sectors (~64 km), finish expected in Piazza del Campo in the afternoon
- Sunday, March 8 — Gran Fondo Strade Bianche: Medio Fondo start at 7:30 AM (~87 km) and Gran Fondo start at 9:00 AM (~137.7 km), start from Fortezza Medicea and finish in Piazza del Campo
Highlights Strade Bianche 2026
- Fourth victory for Tadej Pogačar in Siena, with a solo attack from Monte Sante Marie
- Men's podium: 1st Tadej Pogačar, 2nd Paul Seixas, 3rd Isaac del Toro
- Women Elite: victory for Elise Chabbey ahead of Niewiadoma and Koch
- Legendary gravel sectors: San Martino in Grania, Monte Sante Marie, Colle Pinzuto (15%), Le Tolfe (18%)
- Finish in the unique setting of Piazza del Campo after the Via Santa Caterina ramp
Prices Strade Bianche 2026
Practical information — Strade Bianche
Where and when
The professional race takes place in March, starting from the Fortezza Medicea in Siena and finishing in Piazza del Campo. The route winds through the Crete Senesi, south of the city. The amateur Gran Fondo is held on the following Sunday.
How to get there
By train: Siena station is well-connected to Florence. By car: Take the Florence-Siena highway (Siena exit). During the race weekend, expect numerous traffic changes and road closures along the route; it is advisable to arrive early and park in areas outside the historic center.
Watching the race
Watching the riders pass along the gravel roads and the finish in Piazza del Campo is free. Participation in the Gran Fondo requires paid registration: spots are limited and sell out well in advance every year.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Strade Bianche
Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo, 53100 Siena