Gigante Wows on Willunga Hill
Women set to conquer 137 km and 12 gravel sectors
The 2024 Strade Bianche is shaping up to be an epic edition for women’s cycling, with an expanded route that includes more gravel sectors, positioning the Tuscan race as authentic classic race in professional cycling.
After racing 136km and tackling eight gravel sectors in 2023, the women will now face a challenging 137 km course in 2024, complete with 12 gravel sectors. This year’s route will see riders go over the Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe loop twice, adding to the race’s intensity and allure.
The announcement of the extended women’s Strade Bianche routes was made in Siena on Tuesday, January 30th. These new routes are expected to make the race even more grueling, with the final ascent to Renaissance Siena poised to be a critical decider for the victors.
the women will conquer 40km on Tuscany’s iconic ‘strade bianche’ gravel roads, the men will cover a total of 71 km of these challenging terrains.
The women’s event will kick off early on Saturday morning, finishing before the men’s race, which concludes later in the afternoon as the sun sets over Siena. Sunday will see a Gran Fondo mass-participation event, drawing 7,000 riders of various ages and skill levels to experience the same ‘strade bianche’ as the professionals.
Both the men’s and women’s races will share the first half of their routes, including the longer rolling gravel road sections towards Montalcino. The final sectors and the added loop will feature shorter but steeper climbs through picturesque vineyards and olive groves east of Siena.
The race’s climax is the ascent through the narrow Via Santa Caterina street leading into central Siena, where crowds of spectators gather to witness any last-minute attacks and cheer on the cyclists in their final stretch.
A slight downhill section leads into the final right turn with 150 metres remaining, bringing the riders into the Piazza del Campo. This historic square, known for hosting the annual Palio horse race, transforms into an amphitheatre where fans eagerly await to celebrate the finish.
Mauro Vegni, the head of cycling at RCS Sport, commented at the route presentation in Siena, “This year, we wanted to introduce some changes to the route. By creating this double circuit, we’re increasing both the difficulty and mileage of the races, as well as providing fans multiple opportunities to enjoy the spectacle roadside.”
Mark your calendars: Strade Bianche 2024 is set for Saturday, March 2nd, and can be followed live through our app. Get ready for an unforgettable race!