by 
Much discussion has been passed back-and-forth about whether to call Strade Bianche a monument. Either way, it’s surely apt to describe the 2024 edition as monumental.
In some ways, the women’s and men’s races couldn’t have been more different. One a gladiatorial tussle between two of the world’s best, the other a show of dominance by the man at the pinnacle of the sport.
However, both races were characterised by the glorious Tuscan scenery, the brutal steratto gravel sectors and the faces of riders who finished with nothing left in the tank.
Much was expected of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) before the race. The Slovenian looks focussed as he prepares for the start
World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx – Protime) had her eyes on the trophy from the beginning
White socks for the seven men from Cofidis – but for how long?
Davide Formolo (Movistar) before the start was ordered. The Italian would go on to take his third top-ten at the race.
Lizzie Deignan (Lidl-Trek) would play a significant part in the day’s story, setting up her team-mates.
An early section of the men’s race on a moody day in Tuscany.
Loes Adegeest (FDJ-suez) leads the peloton on an early section of steratto
There aren’t many flat sections of gravel at Strade Bianche. The peloton fly down a descent into a steep pitch.
The early breakaway in the men’s race.
Feeding was a constant worry for the riders. Most teams had additional staff on-hand.
The peloton barrels round a looping left-hander as the sun breaks-through
More gravel, more climbing.
A nasty crash put Lotto-Dstny’s Jenno Berckmoes out of the race
UAE Team Emirates lifted the pace on the Monte Sante Marie sector, first through Isaac del Toro and then Tim Wellens
Tadej Pogacar: a coiled spring, ready to go
A Movistar helper is ready to give a bottle as the riders slow down on a steeper section
Italian champion Simone Velasco (Astana Qazaqstan) fights through the pain as UAE Team Emirates set a fierce pace
Toms Skujins praised his Lidl-Trek team-mate Edward Theuns for his work throughout the day
Lift off: Pogacar went solo and would never be seen again.
Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) leads the group of favourites down a descent as the women’s race heats up
Demi Vollering (Team SD Worx – Protime) surges on with the rest of the leading group in her wheel
Maxim van Gils (Lotto Dstny) was the first rider to go clear in pursuit of Pogacar
After the finish, Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers) reflected that he attacked too late on his way to fourth place
Elisa Longo Borghini and Lotte Kopecky attacked together in the finale
The lone figure of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) on his way towards the famous Piazza del Campo
Kopecky’s lightning acceleration up the final kicker was enough to distance a dogged Longo Borghini
Smile! Pogacar is comfortable enough in his advantage to crack a grin to the photographers on the final climb
It was a second Strade Bianche win for the world champion
Contrasting emotions for Kopecky and Longo Borghini
Pogacar celebrates a ride that will live long in his memory and of those who witnessed it
After a day of attacks, crashes and chases, Toms Skujins (Lidl-Trek) beats Maxim van Gils (Lotto Dstny) in the final sprint to take second place
The battle for the final podium place in the women’s race
Last year’s champion Tom Pidcock battles to the finish
More riders struggle up the final ascent of the day
Irish champion Ben Healy (EF Eduction-Easypost) cheered on as he takes twelfth-place
The story of Toms Skujins’ day is written all over his body
Lotte Kopecky and Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) celebrate a 1-3 finish
De-brief time for Evita Muzic and Amber Kraak of FDJ-Suez
Cofidis’ Simon Geschke crosses the line at Strade Bianche for the final time in his career
The women’s podium; Elisa Longo Borghini, Lotte Kopecky and Demi Vollering (left-right)
A second Strade Bianche trophy for Tadej Pogacar’s cabinet
Strade Bianche was Lotte Kopecky’s third win of the season on the road
