Tag: GF Strade Bianche

The outdoor riding season is slowly but surely coming to a close with the third week of October in the books. That means November is now only a few weeks away, so it’s never too early to start thinking about rides or events you might want to do next year.

If you plan on maintaining your fitness through the late fall and winter months by spending time on the trainer, riding outside, or a combination of the two, you might wish to take on an early spring event. Even better if that event happens to take place in Italy’s Tuscany region, which is known as the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche.

About The Gran Fondo Strade Bianche

2025 will be the 10th edition of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, which takes place in the town of Siena in Tuscany, Italy. It is held around the same time as the pro race with the same name in early March. Strade Bianche is considered one of the harder spring classics and is a one-day race of 184 kilometers (114 miles).

The pro version of Strade Bianche is a fairly new race as it has only existed since 2007. In 2017, it became an officially sanctioned race by the UCI. A women’s version of this race was added in 2015. The race is regarded as very tough for its hills and the fact it is a mix of road and gravel riding. Around 40 miles of the race occur on gravel.

The GF Strade Bianche, in contrast, covers the same route as the pros along with 9 gravel sections but with slightly less mileage The amateur main event is, however, 138.5 kilometers (86 miles) with an elevation gain of 2000 meters (6,500 feet). Riders have the option of selecting the Medio Fondo. It covers 87 kilometers (54 miles) with 6 gravel sections and an elevation gain of 1350 meters (4429 feet).

Registration Fees and Inclusions

The fee to register for the GF Strade Bianche is 109 euros ($118). The fee can only be paid online. There’s no mention of registering on the day of the event. Your registration/ entry fee includes the following:

• Race Number
• Sportful Jersey
• Technical Vest
• Race Kit
• Breakdown Assistance (This does not include the coverage of spare tubes)
• Medical assistance during the event
• Feed Zones
• Broom Wagon Service (for those who may choose to abandon the event early)
• Pasta Party (post-event)

Last Thoughts

If your fitness is top-notch and your legs are feeling good, then GF Strade Bianche looks to be a fun but very challenging early-season spring event. It appears to be a well-supported with lots of inclusions once you register.

Whichever option you select to ride (gran or medio), your meddle is sure to be tested. And after the event, why not stay on and watch what you can of the pro event? Overall, this ride seems like a good way to start the new riding season.