The 2025 Strade Bianche routes for both the men’s and women’s elite races were officially revealed today in Siena’s Sala delle Lupe, within the historic Palazzo Pubblico. The announcement confirmed an increase in gravel distances for both events, adding an extra layer of challenge to one of the most iconic races on the calendar.
For the men, the route now features 16 gravel sectors totalling 81.7 km of the 213 km race distance. The women’s race includes 13 gravel sections, stretching over 50.3 km of its 136 km total. Both races retain their dramatic finale, concluding with the steep Santa Caterina climb and the picturesque finish in Siena’s Piazza del Campo.
Photo Credit: La PresseMauro Vegni, Cycling Area Director at RCS Sport, shared his thoughts on the updates: “We’ve added another gravel sector to each race, making them even more demanding. For the first time, the gravel distances surpass 50 km in the women’s race and 80 km in the men’s race. This represents a significant test for riders competing at the highest level.”
The 2024 editions saw standout performances, with Tadej Pogacar dominating the men’s event in a solo break, and Lotte Kopecky edging out Elisa Longo Borghini in a thrilling sprint for the women’s title. Both will have the opportunity in 2025 to secure their third victories in Siena, which would see sectors of the course named after them – an honour previously granted to Fabian Cancellara.
2025 Men’s Strade Bianche route
The men’s Strade Bianche route for 2025 spans 213 km and features 16 gravel sectors, totalling 81.7 km of unpaved roads. It starts near the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea in Siena, with early tarmac sections leading to the first gravel sector—a straightforward 4.4 km stretch. However, the second sector (4.8 km) introduces the first significant challenge, with a short descent followed by a climb exceeding 10% gradients.
Key sections include the long and gruelling 11.5 km gravel sector at Monte Sante Marie, which features steep ascents and descents. The new Serravalle sector (9.3 km) adds further difficulty, immediately followed by San Martino in Grania (9.4 km), marked by its twisting climbs through the Crete Senesi. Riders will also face punishing double-digit gradients in sectors like Monteaperti (600 m) and Le Tolfe (1.1 km), where a maximum incline of 18% awaits.
The final 10 km into Siena is a showcase of intensity, with riders tackling the cobbled streets leading to the Santa Caterina climb, which peaks at 16% gradient just 500 m from the finish. The iconic Piazza del Campo provides a stunning backdrop to close out one of the season’s most challenging races.
2025 Women’s Strade Bianche route
The women’s route covers 136 km, with 13 gravel sectors making up 50.3 km of the race. Much like the men’s course, it begins near the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea and quickly transitions to the first gravel sector after a few undulating kilometres on tarmac. Early challenges include the second gravel sector (4.8 km), with its steep climb sections, and the Serravalle sector (9.3 km), which flows directly into the longer San Martino in Grania sector (9.5 km).
Monteaperti (800 m) provides a sharp test for riders with its brutal gradients, while sectors like Colle Pinzuto (2.4 km) and Le Tolfe (1.1 km) in the latter stages are likely to break up the peloton. These sectors are defined by short but punchy climbs, sharp corners, and unpredictable surfaces, testing both strength and bike-handling skills.
The women’s race also concludes with the steep and cobbled Santa Caterina climb, where gradients hit double digits in the final kilometre. Like the men’s race, it finishes with a dramatic entrance into Piazza del Campo, offering a thrilling end to the day’s racing.
A celebration of cycling in Siena
Nicoletta Fabio, Mayor of Siena, underlined the event’s significance for the city: “Cycling is more than sport—it’s an opportunity to promote our cultural, historical, and environmental heritage to a global audience. Strade Bianche brings tourism and economic benefits while showcasing the beauty of Siena.”
Councillor for Sports Lorenzo Lorè added: “This event has become a traditional fixture for our city. The finish in Piazza del Campo is always thrilling, and the entire region embraces this unique event with warmth and enthusiasm.”
The race weekend also features the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, inviting amateur cyclists to tackle the same iconic roads on Sunday, 9th March. That sold out within a few hours already and has 6,500 participants lined-up.
Paolo Bellino, Managing Director of RCS Sports & Events, highlighted the event’s growing popularity: “Strade Bianche has a global audience of 25 million viewers. It’s a treasure of both Italian and international cycling, attracting the sport’s top athletes and passionate fans from around the world.”
Meanwhile, cycling legend Paolo Bettini reflected on his experience of the race: “I only competed in one edition, but it would undoubtedly have been one of my key targets in today’s racing calendar. The list of winners speaks volumes about the prestige of this event.”
Main photo credit: La Presse
