Strade Bianche Director Mauro Vegni Talks Future of Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel at the Classic; saying that they both will not be at the start again for next three years due to …

Strade Bianche Director Mauro Vegni Talks Future of Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel at the Classic; saying that they both will not be at the start again for next three years due to …

 

 

Strade Bianche race director Mauro Vegni has confirmed that two of the biggest stars in the world of cycling, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel, will not be returning to the starting line of the prestigious Italian Classic for the next three years. The decision stems from the riders’ broader racing schedules and commitments, which are set to take them in different directions.

 

In a recent interview, Vegni addressed the absence of the two cycling giants from future editions of Strade Bianche, acknowledging their immense talent but also the realities of a crowded professional calendar. Van Aert and van der Poel, who have dominated the world of cyclocross, road racing, and gravel events, have long been favorites for Strade Bianche. Their powerful riding styles and ability to thrive on the mixed terrains of the Tuscan gravel roads have made them fan favorites, but the upcoming shifts in their respective careers mean that the fans of the race will have to wait to see them compete again in this event.

 

### Scheduling Conflicts and Career Priorities

 

Vegni emphasized that the decision was made due to the ongoing evolution of van Aert and van der Poel’s careers, which are increasingly focused on other races. “Both Wout and Mathieu are at the peak of their careers, and their schedules are becoming more and more packed with the biggest events on the calendar,” Vegni explained. “With such a busy race schedule, it is understandable that some events will not fit into their plans. Strade Bianche, unfortunately, is one of those for the next few years.”

 

Both riders have expressed their ambition to focus on other major cycling events, particularly the Grand Tours and the World Championships, which are taking precedence over their participation in races like Strade Bianche. The rising demand of balancing a calendar full of prestigious road races, mountain stages, and the upcoming Paris-Roubaix Classics means that both riders will need to allocate their time carefully to maintain peak performance levels.

 

### A New Era for Strade Bianche

 

The absence of van Aert and van der Poel opens up new opportunities for other riders to stake their claim at the Strade Bianche title. The race, known for its unpredictable and punishing gravel sections, has always attracted a wide array of strong competitors. Without the two stars at the start line, Vegni is excited to see which new talents will emerge and possibly dominate the race.

 

“Every year we see new riders stepping up to the plate,” Vegni commented. “It is part of the magic of Strade Bianche that it remains an unpredictable race. The absence of van Aert and van der Poel allows for a fresh crop of talent to shine and potentially make their mark on this iconic event.”

 

The director also pointed out that Strade Bianche will continue to evolve, bringing in fresh challenges and new routes to keep the race interesting and exciting for both riders and spectators. The absence of such high-profile riders will not detract from the race’s appeal, Vegni assured, noting that the event’s tough terrain and tactical nature would continue to test the world’s best riders in unique ways.

 

### Fans of the Race

 

For the legions of fans who have come to associate Strade Bianche with the presence of these two heavyweights, the news comes as a disappointment. Van Aert and van der Poel’s head-to-head duels on the dusty gravel roads of Tuscany have become iconic moments in cycling history. However, Vegni urged fans to stay hopeful, as the world of cycling is ever-changing, and there will be many opportunities in the future to witness these riders take on new challenges.

 

“We will miss their presence for sure, but cycling is a sport of evolution,” Vegni said. “We hope that in the future, the paths of Strade Bianche and these two incredible athletes will cross again. But for now, we respect their decisions and look forward to the exciting new chapters in the race’s history.”

 

In conclusion, while Strade Bianche will be without van Aert and van der Poel for the next three years, the event will continue to thrive, offering cycling fans an ever-changing landscape of fierce competition and thrilling moments. As the sport evolves, so too will this iconic race.