Strade Bianche 2025: Legends Aim for History, a Teenager Makes His Own
Pogacar and Kwiatkowski seek a record-tying third win, as Albert Withen Philipsen breaks the youngest starter record.
The iconic Strade Bianche is upon us, and cycling fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling race through the picturesque Tuscan countryside. This year, the spotlight shines on Tadej Pogacar and Michal Kwiatkowski, both vying for a historic third victory in this prestigious event.
Chasing Cancellara's Record
Currently, Fabian Cancellara holds the record for the most Strade Bianche wins, with three victories in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Pogacar, who triumphed in 2022 and 2024, and Kwiatkowski, who won in 2014 and 2017, are both in contention to equal Cancellara's feat and etch their names into the history books.
Pidcock Returns as Defending Champion
Adding to the excitement, Tom Pidcock, the 2023 Strade Bianche winner, will also be on the starting line, eager to defend his title and showcase his prowess on the challenging gravel roads. Notably, Pidcock has achieved a top 10 finish in all three of his Strade Bianche appearances, demonstrating his consistency in this demanding race. In contrast, Tadej Pogacar required five attempts to achieve a similar streak of top 10 results.
World Champions' Strade Bianche Struggles
The Strade Bianche has proven to be a tough nut to crack for reigning world road race champions. In eight previous appearances, the best result achieved by a world champion was Julian Alaphilippe's second-place finish in 2021.
Here's a breakdown of world champions' Strade Bianche results:
Julian Alaphilippe (2022): 58th
Julian Alaphilippe (2021): 2nd
Peter Sagan (2018): 8th
Peter Sagan (2017): Did not finish
Peter Sagan (2016): 4th
Cadel Evans (2010): 56th
Alessandro Ballan (2009): Did not finish
Paolo Bettini (2008): 63rd
Podium Streaks and Finish Line Records
Three riders have achieved the remarkable feat of standing on the Strade Bianche podium three times: Wout van Aert (2018, 2019, 2020), Alejandro Valverde (2014, 2015, 2022), and Fabian Cancellara. Pogacar and Kwiatkowski have the chance to get their third podium finish tomorrow.
Greg Van Avermaet holds the record for the most Strade Bianche finishes, completing the race 13 times. Among the current participants, Simon Clarke boasts the most finishes, with eight to his name.
Van Avermaet also shares the record for the most Strade Bianche starts with Giovanni Visconti, both having participated 13 times. Salvatore Puccio is set to make his 11th Strade Bianche appearance tomorrow.
A Young Contender Makes History
Albert Withen Philipsen will make history tomorrow as the youngest-ever Strade Bianche participant, at 18 years and 186 days old. He surpasses the previous record held by Simone Velasco, who was 19 years and 96 days old in 2015.
Top 5 youngest riders:
19-096 Simone Velasco (2015)
19-124 Ivan Ramiro Sosa Cuervo (2017)
19-190 Marco Brenner (2022)
19-200 Ivan Romeo Abad (2023)
19-201 Edward Fabian Diaz (2014)
Of the 13 under 20 year old riders to have started the race, only 3 have finished.
Edward Fabian Diaz (2014): 76th
Quinn Simmons (2021): 54th
Daniel Felipe Martinez (2016): 73rd.
At 39 years and 351 days old, Jakob Fuglsang enters the Strade Bianche as one of its most seasoned competitors. While his experience is undeniable, he still trails the event's record for oldest participant, which belongs to the late Davide Rebellin. Rebellin, a cycling veteran who tragically passed away in 2022, remarkably competed in the 2016 edition at the age of 44 years and 209 days.