The World Tour makes it’s first stop in Italy for the year, this weekend, as the 12th edition of Strade Bianche takes place on Saturday. The 184km classic will include no less than 63km of white gravel roads, which has made this race a favourite among riders and fans alike.
Strade Bianche has fast become one of the most important modern day classics in world cycling. This year the dirt roads and short, sharp climbs around Siena will once again be the main stage for an epic battle but the current cold front that has gripped most of Europe could well add to the day’s challenges too.
Following a strong showing by Scott Thwaites and Julien Vermote during ‘Opening Weekend’ last week, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka will once again rally around the in-form duo on Saturday. Thwaites finished 13th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Vermote came agonisingly close to stealing the victory at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne from the sprinters, being caught with just 100 metres to go and ending 9th.
Both riders have fared well in the past on these roads, with Thwaites securing a top 10 placing for the African Team at least year’s edition of the race.
Joining the two classics specialists and completing the line-up this weekend will be Edvald Boasson Hagen, Merhawi Kudus, Lachlan Morton, Ben O’Connor and Bernie Eisel.
“I think we are in for an interesting race this weekend,” said Directeur Sportif Alex Sans Vega. “We know that currently the roads are full of snow so we will have to see what the conditions are like on Saturday. We will be ready though, we have a nice team who have proven themselves on the white roads before. Scott and Julien are both going well at the moment, so we have some good options available to us and will race for a top result.”
Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka Line-up for Strade Bianche
Scott Thwaites
Julien Vermote
Edvald Boasson Hagen
Merhawi Kudus
Lachlan Morton
Ben O’Connor
Bernie Eisel
