Strade Bianche organizer on the toughness of course: “Everyone knows this isn’t why Van Aert and Van der Poel are skipping the race”…
The Strade Bianche, one of the most iconic one-day races on the UCI WorldTour calendar, has long been known for its challenging terrain, with riders tackling a series of brutal gravel sections that put both physical and mental endurance to the test. The race has gained fame for its unique combination of rolling hills, dusty roads, and unforgiving climbs, attracting top-tier cyclists from around the world. However, recent comments from race organizers have shed light on a topic that has sparked conversation in the cycling community: the absence of two of the sport’s biggest stars, Wout Van Aert and Mathieu Van der Poel, from this year’s edition.
Speaking candidly about the absence of the Belgian and Dutch superstars, Francesco Lollobrigida, the organizer of the Strade Bianche, addressed ongoing rumors and speculation regarding the toughness of the race. “Everyone knows this isn’t why Van Aert and Van der Poel are skipping the race,” Lollobrigida remarked, directly countering the notion that the course is too demanding for the two athletes.
Both Van Aert and Van der Poel have built reputations for their versatility, thriving in different disciplines, including road racing, cyclocross, and gravel racing. Their absence from the Strade Bianche this year has sparked a flurry of rumors, with some speculating that the intensity of the race could be a factor. The race is known for its punishing 184-kilometer route, which includes more than 60 kilometers of gravel roads, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather conditions that can turn the course into a true test of endurance. However, Lollobrigida firmly rejected this idea, emphasizing that the decision to skip the event was purely based on strategic choices for the athletes’ seasons.
“I think the real reasons lie elsewhere. Van Aert and Van der Poel have different goals, and their teams have different plans for them. It’s not about the difficulty of Strade Bianche,” Lollobrigida explained. “Both riders have a packed schedule, and with so many races throughout the year, sometimes they need to make calculated decisions about where to focus their efforts. It’s about timing, preparation, and targeting the races that best align with their goals.”
The organizer’s comments suggest that the decision to skip the Strade Bianche may be linked to broader season strategies, particularly with major races like the Tour de France and the World Championships in mind. Both Van Aert and Van der Poel have previously spoken about their desire to peak at certain points in the season and avoid overloading their calendars with too many physically taxing events.
The absence of the two cycling heavyweights has shifted the spotlight onto other riders who have a chance to shine at the Strade Bianche. The race has consistently provided a stage for rising stars and established names alike to showcase their strength and resilience in the face of one of cycling’s toughest challenges. This year, attention has turned to riders like Tadej Pogacar, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most talented all-rounders, and Julian Alaphilippe, the Frenchman known for his explosive attacks and versatility.
While many had hoped to see a showdown between Van Aert and Van der Poel at the Strade Bianche, Lollobrigida remains optimistic about the future of the race, noting that the absence of the two riders doesn’t diminish its prestige or appeal. “The Strade Bianche is not just about a couple of riders. It’s about the race itself, the challenge it presents, and the passion of the fans who come to witness it,” he said. “We have a great field of riders this year, and the race will continue to be a spectacle for everyone.”
As the race approaches, attention will inevitably shift to the riders who will compete, but the words of Lollobrigida serve as a reminder that in the world of professional cycling, every decision made by top riders is part of a broader strategy aimed at long-term success. The Strade Bianche, with its brutal roads and ever-changing conditions, will continue to stand as one of the toughest and most revered challenges in the sport.
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