While Strade Bianche isn’t yet a Monument, it is a monumentally good race and this weekend produced two certified Classics, won by two undeniable Greats in Lotte Kopecky and Tadej Pogačar. It also produced a number of pain faces that could almost rival even the National Hill Climb Championships – almost.
We sent photographer James York to Tuscany and he captured the day’s greatest gurns from the women’s race and the aftermath of the men’s race.
Alison Jackson was leaving no stone unturned opting for that aero helmet on the day.
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You can’t deny Strade Bianche’s surroundings are much prettier than pretty much every Monument.
keEP GrAvEL ouT Of rOAd RAcIng.
Game faces are essential.
The parcours means focus has to be high on every gravel sector.
When it's not providing aero gains, the helmet is great for keeping rain and dirt off the head.
A wet weekend meant there wasn't as much dust flying around as recent years, but it's still lovely.
Game faces quickly become pain faces when the climbs hit.
Spot who looks most comfortable in the main bunch.
This focus face from Marta Lach is incredibly relatable.
The last thing Justine Ghekiere wanted at this moment was a cameraman snapping away.
There were only 55 official finishers in the women's race, sadly these two were DNFs.
A dangerous group got up the road including Lizzie Deignan.
But the amount of utter hitters in the main bunch meant it was always getting brought back.
It came down to Lotte Kopecky and Elisa Longo Borghini going head to head on Via Santa Caterina.
And Kopecky was inevitable, after last year she was never going to lose this one.
In the rainbow jersey too. Brilliant.
Longo Borghini is a machine. She won the Trofeo Oro the following day.
Is this the Tour de France queen stage? The turnout of the women's peloton in the big one-day races is excellent.
After getting caught on this climb in 2023 before getting disqualified, you knew Kristen Faulkner had to make an impact this year.
That's a hill climb pain face if we've ever seen one.
Isn't it brilliant to have Puck Pieterse in these races? That Fenix-Deceuninck kit and bike is also 500 times better than their normal colours.
Black and white cycling photos hit different.
*Insert Jack Nicholson nodding gif*
That's not a pain face, that's a smile! Italian Barbara Malcotti looked like she was just enjoying herself. Fair play.
Lizzie Deignan less so, a crash dented her chances of a strong finish.
Some talent on that podium, you wouldn't be surprised to see that in France in the summer. Monumental.
Cheers.
That's an elite trophy.
Talking of elite. Words aren't enough to describe Tadej Pogačar.
An athlete, a showman, the GOAT
It's time to talk about Toms Skujiņš. What a season he is having. You'd be surprised if a massive result doesn't come soon.
Tom Pidcock took the opportunity to drink in what had just happened.
And quickly realised even if he attacked earlier there was nothing that could be done about Pogačar. A solid fourth for the defending champ.
It was 12th for Ben Healy on the day, a strong effort, more to come from the Irish champion.
The face of a man who knows no manner of out-thinking and marginal gains can match Pogačar's legs.
Cheers.
