Jul 10, 2014
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The best non-monument race, which should by now be a monument. It's always exciting and hard racing, with lots of gravel and climbing.
Vollering is returning to try to regain her win from 2023, no news about Kopecky yet if she will defend her win from last year. Also returning in good form is Anna Van Der Breggen.

Notable mentions: Vollering, Longo Borghini, Van Der Breggen, Labous, Muzic, DeJons, Garcia, Lippert, Zigart, Vas


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Live video stream available on Eurosport/GCN alternative.

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Full startlist (not yet final):

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Technical info
The route is highly undulating, both in terms of terrain and elevation, featuring no long climbs but plenty of short, sharp ramps, many of which on gravel roads. The riders will tackle approximately 50 km of white roads divided into 13 sectors (all shared with the men’s race). The gravel surfaces are well-maintained, compact and totally free of grassy overgrowth.

The race begins in Siena (Stadium/Fortezza Medicea area), with the opening kilometers unfolding on rolling asphalt roads leading to the first gravel sector (4.4 km). This sector is perfectly straight, with just one bend halfway through, and consistently descends at a gentle gradient.
A brief asphalt stretch leads to the second gravel sector (4.8 km), the first significant challenge of the day, featuring a long uphill section with gradients exceeding 10%. From here, the course continues to Radi and the third gravel sector (4.4 km), followed immediately by the fourth, La Piana (6.4 km). This less demanding segment leads to Ponte d’Arbia, where riders briefly join the “Cassia” state road before tackling the new Serravalle sector (9.3 km). This section concludes just before the following one begins – San Martino in Grania (9.5 km), set amid the stunning Crete Senesi. This long gravel stretch starts with rolling terrain and ends with a twisting uphill climb that reconnects to the asphalt. This is followed by a tarmac section with little difficulty until entering the men’s classic course, including its iconic and challenging finale.

Immediately after Monteaperti lies the seventh gravel sector—a mere 600 meters but with a brutal ramp featuring double-digit gradients. In Vico d’Arbia, the route returns to asphalt, with the riders entering a 30 km circuit.
After crossing Pieve a Bozzone, the eighth gravel sector (Colle Pinzuto, 2.4 km) presents gradients of up to 15%. A few kilometers later comes the ninth sector, Le Tolfe (1.1 km), characterized by a steep descent followed by a sharp climb with gradients peaking at 18%. Shortly after Le Tolfe, at the first circuit loop, the athletes face the new Strada del Castagno section (10th sector, 700 m), leading to challenging asphalt passages through Pontignano, Ponte a Bozzone, and San Giovanni a Cerreto. Here, the 11th gravel sector will be tackled: Montechiaro, 3.3 km, a section revisited from the race’s earlier editions. Upon completing this sector in Vico d’Arbia, the circuit loop concludes.
Riders then face Colle Pinzuto (12th sector) and Le Tolfe (13th sector) for the second time, before veering toward Siena with just over 10 km left to go.

Last KM
The final past of the race begins outside the city of Siena, following wide roads and long straight stretches connected by broad curves. The terrain first descends, then moves to a gentle uphill leading to the -2 km mark. Here, the riders enter Via Esterna di Fontebranda, where gradients reach up to 9%. At 900 meters from the finish, the course passes through the Porta di Fontebranda and transitions to cobblestones. The gradient exceeds 10%, peaking at 16% on Via Santa Caterina, at around 500 m to go. A sharp right-hand turn onto Via delle Terme leads into Via Banchi di Sotto. From 300 meters out, the road gently descends. At 150 meters, a right-hand turn onto Via Rinaldini leads the athletes into Piazza del Campo. The final 30 meters descend at 7%. The finish line is on a flat stretch in the iconic square.
 
Last edited:
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Sep 16, 2021
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Can't wait to see which breakaway rider is gonna win again because FDJ and SD-Worx refuse to pace the peloton resulting to another 13 minute gap for the break with 50 km to go.
 
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Aug 31, 2023
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The full star list is on PCS already, a true rarity in women’s cycling. No kopecky but still think the start list of pretty good, better than the men’s.
 
Sep 26, 2020
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The full star list is on PCS already, a true rarity in women’s cycling. No kopecky but still think the start list of pretty good, better than the men’s.

It's nice to see, although it probably won't be the final start list.
 
May 5, 2010
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Zigart listed as wearing Number 1.
I... could be wrong, but I don't think being the fiancée of the defending champion in the men's race earns you the right to wear that number...

Pretty sure that either Number 1 will go to SD Worx, the team of the defending champion - even if said defending champion isn't actually gonna be at the start herself. Or, it'll go to Longo Borghini, the best places rider from last year's race.
 
Aug 31, 2023
260
373
1,730
Zigart listed as wearing Number 1.
I... could be wrong, but I don't think being the fiancée of the defending champion in the men's race earns you the right to wear that number...

Pretty sure that either Number 1 will go to SD Worx, the team of the defending champion - even if said defending champion isn't actually gonna be at the start herself. Or, it'll go to Longo Borghini, the best places rider from last year's race.
Yea the number is weird. I mean I would even be suprised if Zigart is the rider soudal are going for since Strade doesn't seem like her kind of race.
 
Jun 20, 2015
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Yea the number is weird. I mean I would even be suprised if Zigart is the rider soudal are going for since Strade doesn't seem like her kind of race.

Or MSR or UAE. Her early season calendar has been horrendous.
 
Jun 19, 2023
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The final numbers will be given with the final startlist. Right now the teams are in alphabetical order.
 
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Aug 13, 2024
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Vollering easy W but, I can't find a Demi Vollering thread. Help!

I also want to suggest a name for it: "Half Human, Half God, her name is Demi for a reason"
 
Feb 20, 2010
33,064
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Zigart listed as wearing Number 1.
I... could be wrong, but I don't think being the fiancée of the defending champion in the men's race earns you the right to wear that number...
It's alphabetical :D
Vollering easy W but, I can't find a Demi Vollering thread. Help!

I also want to suggest a name for it: "Half Human, Half God, her name is Demi for a reason"
 
May 5, 2010
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It's alphabetical :D


"Z, B, D, M, L, P"

You, have been taught a different version of the alphabeth than I have...
 
Feb 20, 2010
33,064
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"Z, B, D, M, L, P"

You, have been taught a different version of the alphabeth than I have...
I would have thought that intent would have been clear enough what with including an emoji and the very concept of somebody whose name started with Z being first alphabetically.
 
Jun 19, 2023
477
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Didn't saw this coming: Wiebes on the startlist.

Any other winner than Vollering will be a huge surprise. Even if one or two of the best climbers are going with her to the finish line she has the best sprint.
 
Jul 10, 2014
14,994
25,994
28,180
Zigart listed as wearing Number 1.
I... could be wrong, but I don't think being the fiancée of the defending champion in the men's race earns you the right to wear that number...

Pretty sure that either Number 1 will go to SD Worx, the team of the defending champion - even if said defending champion isn't actually gonna be at the start herself. Or, it'll go to Longo Borghini, the best places rider from last year's race.

Number 1 partners

Glc87lfXMAAI-cT
 
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