Strade Bianche once again belonged to Tadej Pogačar, who produced another devastating long-range attack to win the 2026 edition solo in Siena and cement his status as the race’s modern master.
The world champion launched his decisive move with roughly 79km remaining on the brutal gravel sector of Monte Sante Marie, immediately splintering the favourites group. Within minutes the Slovenian had opened a gap, and once clear, the result felt inevitable on the dusty roads of Tuscany.
Behind him, the race shifted to a battle for the remaining podium spots. French teenager Paul Seixas emerged as the strongest of the chasers to secure second place on debut, while Pogačar’s teammate Isaac del Toro completed the podium after tracking attacks from the chase group.
A familiar script on the white roads
Run over 201km with 64km of gravel sectors, the 20th edition of the race followed a pattern that has become familiar in recent years: Pogačar attacking from distance and riding alone to the finish.
His move came after a controlled opening phase by UAE Team Emirates–XRG, whose riders kept the race under tight supervision before the Slovenian detonated the peloton on the key sector. Once clear, he steadily extended his advantage across the remaining gravel climbs, including Colle Pinzuto and Le Tolfe.
By the time Pogačar entered the steep cobbled climb of Via Santa Caterina in Siena’s historic centre, the outcome was no longer in doubt. He crossed the line alone in the Piazza del Campo, over a minute ahead of Seixas, raising his arms after another dominant display.
Record-breaking dominance
The victory marks Pogačar’s fourth triumph in Strade Bianche and his third consecutive win, setting a new outright record for the race.
It also continues the remarkable trend of the Slovenian winning his season debut and reinforces his reputation as the defining rider of the modern gravel classic.
On a course designed to reward aggression, Pogačar once again proved untouchable—turning the white roads of Tuscany into his personal stage.
Results
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