Regarded as cycling’s unofficial sixth Monument, this year’s Strade Bianche saw another star-studded field of riders tackle the gravel tracks of Tuscany. Tadej Pogačar used the race to make his 2026 debut, while Isaac del Toro, Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock and Ben Healy were among the other top names to pay the sterrato a visit on Saturday.
Like in 2022 and 2024, Tadej Pogačar used the Monte Sante Marie to launch yet another race-winning move at 80km to go. Paul Seixas attempted to follow the Slovenian’s wheel, but the 19-year-old would have to settle for second place after dropping Isaac del Toro on the steep Via Santa Caterina. Having picked up another victory on Italian soil, Pogačar has become the first rider to win Strade Bianche on four occasions. As for Paul Seixas, he becomes the youngest rider to finish on the podium of the race.
French photographer Xavier Pereryron was on the ground to witness present and future greatness. Here are some of his best photos from the men’s race.
What were you doing at 19? I bet you weren’t about to lead a Classics team.
That’s one way to pass the time on the roadside.
64km of the route was on Tuscany’s gravel roads.
UAE Team Emirates XRG controlled the bunch on behalf of Pogačar and Del Toro during the early phase of the race.
Once upon a time, Pogačar and Alaphilippe would have gone blow for blow on a course like this.
Aaron Dockx opted against superstition, keeping his 13 dossard the right way up.
In his final Strade Bianche, Bauke Mollema was the lanterne rouge come the finish.
All eyes on the World Champion’s wheel.
Paul Seixas had only competed in one Classic before this race.
The beautiful sight of the Tuscan hills coated with white dust.
To nobody’s surprise, Pogačar launched his move with 80km remaining. He attacked from a similar distance in 2022 and 2024.
Tom Pidcock suffered some untimely mechanicals during the race. He’d ultimately finish in seventh place, his worst result in Strade Bianche.
Boos were picked up on the mic as Pogačar cruised around the streets of Siena.
Pogačar’s teammate Jan Christen finished in sixth place, meaning that half the top six was UAE riders.
Bravo, Paul Seixas. Second place on Strade debut.
Clément Braz Afonso distances Pello Bilbao on the approach to the line. The Groupama rider rode to 17th place on the day.
This 26-man group was the largest pack of riders to cross the line.
Strade Bianche is always a brutal day out.
Brandon Rivera was one of the many riders sporting mud patches and dust after the finish.
First victory in bleached hair for the World Champion.
GOAT recognises GOAT.
The trophy is unnecessarily large. Where do you even keep one of those?