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Human Powered Health is in Tuscany to take on the famous gravel roads of Strade Bianche on March 2.

The name ‘Strade Bianche’ translates to ‘white roads’ and refers to the stretches of gravel that the riders take on. Much like any cobbled classic, these sections define the race by whittling down the group until only the strongest remain.

Although a relatively young race, Strade Bianche and its gravel roads are what all bike races looked like for a time. These exact roads were used in competition 120 years ago when wine-making brothers Ernesto and Giulio Gallo founded the Giro dello Toscana. 

The 137 km race now consists of 12 sectors that were never meant to be raced on by cyclists but instead connect the farmers and residents to tiny villages and local vineyards. Tire pressure and line choice are crucial and if it rains – which it might – the roads turn into a slick mud bath.

This means there are nearly 40 kilometers of Tuscan gravel before the picturesque finale up the 700-meter Via Santa Caterina climb and its 16% pitches before finishing in Piazza del Campo.

Tour Down Under QOM winner Katia Ragusa, Ruth Edwards, Barbara Malcotti, Lily Williams and Silvia Zanardi and Classica de Almeria second place finisher Yuliia Biriukova ensure it’s a strong six racing on Saturday.

As expected, the start list is stacked. First and second last year in a tense battle, Dutch champion Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky (both Team SD Worx – Protime) are the standout favorites. Previous winners Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Racing), Elisa Longo Borghini and Elizabeth Deignan (both Lidl – Trek) also race.

How to watch

USA and Canada
FloBikes and Max with via the B/R Sports Add-On | 6 am ET / 5 am CT / 4 am MT / 3 am PT

UK and Europe
Eurosport/Discovery | 11:00 GMT / 12:00 CET

Italian duo look ahead to home Classic

Katia Ragusa will be racing her ninth Strade Bianche with Barbara Malcotti returning from injury with her second participation in the race. 

“I’m really excited to race Strade Bianche, for me it’s amazing,” Ragusa said. “Not just because it’s in Italy but also because it’s a race that suits me because of the gravel parcours.”

Strade Bianche is arguably the most beautiful one-day on the calendar, not least because of its beautiful finish in Siena. 

“The best thing about Strade Bianche is to arrive in Piazza del Campo,” says Ragusa. “It’s an amazing view, a super hard climb, and you are treated to a beautiful theater to finish in.” 

The modifications to the course also excite the 26-year-old.

“We will have four more gravel sections this year,” explains Ragusa. “The two-lap circuit with the Montechiaro, Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe sectors will be interesting and so we will do a recon before the race to understand how hard this will be. It will be even tougher in the finale than previous years but I think we will have an exciting race.”

Malcotti had been out of action due to a fractured elbow but returned to racing at the Classica de Almeria, finishing 15th.

“I’m super happy to be back racing,” says the 24-year-old. “For the two weeks, I had to train on the rollers. Zwift was helpful because my training wasn’t boring. It helps you focus and not lose too much fitness.”

Malcotti has been preparing for the grueling race, which she admits she is a “little bit afraid” of by incorporating gravel rides into her training.

“I did some gravel training for three reasons,” she explains. “⁠I wanted to test my elbow to be sure I didn’t have pain. Also to test that I wasn’t afraid to crash, and able to take risks. And last, to practice my skills to ride on the gravel. I feel I have succeeded in all three.”

The team stays in Italy for Sunday’s Trofeo Oro in the Euro – Women’s Bike Race where Henrietta Christie replaces Williams in the roster. It can be watched here.

Follow comprehensive coverage of Strade Bianchi the race via the team’s Instagram, Facebook and X accounts.