2023 Strade Bianche | Highlights

Race Report

Tom Pidcock claimed a rousing solo victory at Strade Bianche following a gutsy attacking ride of over 50 kilometres.

The Brit was part of a move that went clear on the tough Monte Sante Marie gravel sector as the race began to break apart. Using his power, combined with superb bike handling skills, Pidcock was able to go clear as a tense battle against the chasing pack began.

Managing his efforts superbly, Pidcock’s gap of around 30 seconds was gradually eroded on the run-in, to the point where the chasing group of five had the INEOS Grenadier rider in their sights.

But a combination of discontent within their ranks and Pidcock’s never say die attitude saw him eventually re-extend his advantage ahead of the final climb.

In the end he was able to enjoy his ride into Siena’s iconic Piazza del Campo, with a winning advantage of 20 seconds.

“Honestly it’s going to take some sinking in,” said Tom Pidcock. “When I went that was completely not the plan. Obviously that sector is normally the decisive place, so I was just riding hard. I got a gap on the descent and I just carried on. A few times they came close and I thought ‘I’ve messed it up, I’ve gone too early and wasted my shot here.’ The thing is in races like this, the day was so fast all day, I thought if I get a gap and keep going it’s hard to bring back.”

Results

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