Pogačar's dominance and Siena's gravel magic defined Strade Bianche 2026
Stephen Farrand reflects on Strade Bianche 2026: Tadej Pogačar extended his remarkable win streak with a dominant performance, Elise Chabbey won the women’s race in Siena, and rising star Paul Seixas signaled France’s next big hope; the piece also critiques the route’s double Colle Pinzuto–Le Tolfe loop for making the race overly selective and calls for a more balanced, 'al dente' course to preserve Strade Bianche's character, all set against the Piazza del Campo finish and the gravel-filled spectacle that defines the race.