Strade Bianche 2025: Men Route
- ️Fri Jan 24 2025
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The route is relentlessly rolling, both in terms of terrain and elevation, with no long climbs but an abundance of sharp, punchy ramps, particularly on the gravel sections. The riders will tackle approximately 82 km of gravel roads across 16 sectors (13 of which are shared with the women’s race). The gravel is well-maintained, compact, and free of grassy intrusions, with only minimal loose stones on the surface.
The race begins in Siena (Stadium/Fortezza Medicea area), with the opening kilometers on undulating asphalt roads leading to the first gravel sector (4.4 km), a perfectly straight stretch with a gentle descent and only one curve midway.
A short asphalt section brings the riders to the second gravel sector (4.8 km), the first significant challenge of the day. This sector includes a long uphill segment with gradients exceeding 10%. The peloton then reaches Radi and the third gravel sector (4.4 km), immediately followed by the fourth, La Piana (6.4 km), which is less demanding in terms of elevation. After reaching Ponte d’Arbia, the athletes join the “Cassia” state road all the way to Buonconvento.
Next comes the Montalcino climb (on asphalt), the second major ascent of the day with its 4 km at 5%. After Torrenieri, the riders face the fifth (11.9 km) and sixth (8.0 km) gravel sectors, separated by just 1 km of asphalt. Both sectors are challenging, undulating, and rather technical, with frequent curves and short ups and downs. After crossing Buonconvento for the second time, the course tackles the new Serravalle sector (9.3 km), which leads directly into the next gravel segment – San Martino in Grania (9.5 km). This lengthy section features rolling terrain in its early stages and concludes with a winding climb that reconnects to the asphalt road.
Once in Ponte del Garbo (Asciano), the ninth gravel sector (11.5 km) begins. This is the race’s most demanding sector, primarily uphill with sharp undulations, including several steep ups and downs near Monte Sante Marie, where gradients spike dramatically within very short distances. After Castelnuovo Berardenga, a brief asphalt section brings the riders to Monteaperti, where the tenth gravel sector (600 m) awaits. This short but brutal ramp features double-digit gradients. The course then returns to asphalt around the town of Vico d’Arbia, where the athletes enter a 30 km circuit.
After Pieve a Bozzone, the circuit includes the 11th gravel sector (Colle Pinzuto, 2.4 km), with gradients reaching 15%. A few kilometers later comes the 12th sector, Le Tolfe (1.1 km), characterized by a steep descent followed by a sharp ascent with a maximum gradient of 18%. Shortly after Le Tolfe, the route introduces a new sector which has never been tackled before – Strada del Castagno (13th sector, 700 m). This leads into challenging asphalt sections through Pontignano, Ponte a Bozzone, and San Giovanni a Cerreto, where the riders take on the 14th gravel sector (Montechiaro, 3.3 km), already featured in the race’s earlier editions. The loop concludes in Vico d’Arbia. The athletes then face the Colle Pinzuto (15th sector) and Le Tolfe (16th sector) sectors a second time before heading back toward Siena, with just over 10 km left to go.
Last KM
The final past of the race begins outside the city of Siena, following wide roads and long straight stretches connected by broad curves. The terrain first descends, then moves to a gentle uphill leading to the -2 km mark. Here, the riders enter Via Esterna di Fontebranda, where gradients reach up to 9%. At 900 meters from the finish, the course passes through the Porta di Fontebranda and transitions to cobblestones. The gradient exceeds 10%, peaking at 16% on Via Santa Caterina, at around 500 m to go. A sharp right-hand turn onto Via delle Terme leads into Via Banchi di Sotto. From 300 meters out, the road gently descends. At 150 meters, a right-hand turn onto Via Rinaldini leads the athletes into Piazza del Campo. The final 30 meters descend at 7%. The finish line is on a flat stretch in the iconic square.
start / finish
final kilometres
itinerary timetable
Strava Route
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profile
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map
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technical info
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start / finish
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final kilometres
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itinerary timetable
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Strava Route
tourist info
Siena
Siena
Siena is nestled among the gentle Tuscan hills. Here, it feels as if time has stopped at the 13th century, when the city’s artistic and architectural heritage started to develop, earning Siena its endless renown. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995, owing to its well-preserved mediaeval structure. The main square, Piazza del Campo, is the mandatory starting point to describe the city. The square has a unique shell shape, and gently slopes towards the centre. This is where the famous Palio takes place: every year, in summer, the different Contrade (city quarters) challenge each other in a compelling horse race. All around are a number of monumental buildings, such as Palazzo Sansedoni and Palazzo Pubblico. Towering over the square is the majestic Torre del Mangia, built in the 1340s. Soaring an impressive 102 metres, it is just as tall as the Duomo belfry, to symbolize the balance between worldly and divine power. But there is more to Siena than just Piazza del Campo, including little streets and alleys teeming with little shops and craft stores where you can buy local handmade products or taste the famous cantucci cookies with a glass of Vin Santo. Throughout the narrow alleys, all the way to the wide Piazza del Campo, you can actually feel the real atmosphere of this city – contemporary yet ancient, monumental yet lively, all of which makes it the perfect setting for the start and finish of this iconic bicycle race. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Sovicille
Lying at the southern slopes of the Montagnola Senese, Sovicille is the Tuscan town with the highest concentration of parish churches, abbeys, castles and villas. Valuable examples of the Romanesque style are the Pieve (parish church) of Ponte allo Spino, Ponte della Pia, and the polychrome cloister of the Abbey of Torri. The fairy-tale castle of Celsa and the grandiose Villa di Cetinale (a former possession of the Chigi family) are bound to leave you breathless with their charm and grandeur. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Monteroni d'Arbia
The Via Francigena runs through the entire municipal territory of Monteroni d’Arbia. Many historical landmarks can be found along this ancient route, including the castle of Lucignano d’Arbia and its parish church, which already existed back in 913 a.D., and the famous Grancia di Cuna, a majestic fortified farm built in 1314. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Murlo
Murlo is a little, well-preserved mediaeval village lying at the heart of an unspoilt territory. Its inhabitants were found to be the actual descendants of the ancient Etruscans. The village is best known for being home to a unique Etruscan settlement on the surrounding hills: a large princely building surrounded by craft workshops, one of the major findings about this civilisation. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Buonconvento
The village of Buonconvento is still surrounded by the ancient defensive walls, and has retained its original mediaeval appearance. Major landmarks include the belfry (Torre Civica) of the ancient government palace, Palazzo Podestarile. However, wandering the streets of the town is just as evocative, especially in September, when the famous Sagra della Valdarbia brings the love for good food, music, arts and literature together. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Montalcino
Founded by the Etruscans and best known for Brunello wine, Montalcino is a lovely village lying at the mouth of Val d’Orcia. Major landmarks include the 14th century pentagonal fortress with its towers, and a museum housing a collection of late mediaeval art. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, one of the major examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, is a must-see. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
San Quirico d’Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia lies at the heart of a World Heritage landscape that embodies the essence of the Val d’Orcia. The impressive Horti Leonini, created around 1580, are the most popular attraction. Major architectural landmarks also include the Osenna collegiate or parish church (dating back to the 12th-13th century). Bagno Vignoni, the only hamlet in San Quirico d’Orcia, is home to Piazza delle Sorgenti, a large, rectangular 16th century hot spring which is definitely worth a visit. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Pienza
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, Pienza was hometown to Pope Pius II, who considered it the “ideal” city of the Renaissance. The projects that were conceived at that time are a significant example of the rational urban architecture of the Italian Renaissance, although not all of them were actually implemented. Taking a walk through Piazza Pio II to visit Palazzo Piccolomini and the cathedral is something you cannot miss. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Asciano
Lying at the heart of the Crete Senesi, and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, Asciano is an ancient Etruscan village that experienced its greatest splendour during the Middle Ages. The old town centre is a treasure trove of art and history, where traditions and legends merge inseparably. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Castelnuovo Berardenga is the southernmost town of the Chianti area. Its territory is a unique combination of gentle slopes and uneven hills, guarded by castles, churches and fortifications, with cypress-lined alleys leading the way. In 1260, the battle of Monteaperti, won by Siena and its allies against Florence, marked the beginning of the Ghibelline rule over Tuscany, and invested Siena with a political and economical predominant role, both in Italy and in Europe. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Siena
Siena
Siena is nestled among the gentle Tuscan hills. Here, it feels as if time has stopped at the 13th century, when the city’s artistic and architectural heritage started to develop, earning Siena its endless renown. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995, owing to its well-preserved mediaeval structure. The main square, Piazza del Campo, is the mandatory starting point to describe the city. The square has a unique shell shape, and gently slopes towards the centre. This is where the famous Palio takes place: every year, in summer, the different Contrade (city quarters) challenge each other in a compelling horse race. All around are a number of monumental buildings, such as Palazzo Sansedoni and Palazzo Pubblico. Towering over the square is the majestic Torre del Mangia, built in the 1340s. Soaring an impressive 102 metres, it is just as tall as the Duomo belfry, to symbolize the balance between worldly and divine power. But there is more to Siena than just Piazza del Campo, including little streets and alleys teeming with little shops and craft stores where you can buy local handmade products or taste the famous cantucci cookies with a glass of Vin Santo. Throughout the narrow alleys, all the way to the wide Piazza del Campo, you can actually feel the real atmosphere of this city – contemporary yet ancient, monumental yet lively, all of which makes it the perfect setting for the start and finish of this iconic bicycle race.
Sovicille
Lying at the southern slopes of the Montagnola Senese, Sovicille is the Tuscan town with the highest concentration of parish churches, abbeys, castles and villas. Valuable examples of the Romanesque style are the Pieve (parish church) of Ponte allo Spino, Ponte della Pia, and the polychrome cloister of the Abbey of Torri. The fairy-tale castle of Celsa and the grandiose Villa di Cetinale (a former possession of the Chigi family) are bound to leave you breathless with their charm and grandeur. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Monteroni d’Arbia
The Via Francigena runs through the entire municipal territory of Monteroni d’Arbia. Many historical landmarks can be found along this ancient route, including the castle of Lucignano d’Arbia and its parish church, which already existed back in 913 a.D., and the famous Grancia di Cuna, a majestic fortified farm built in 1314. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Murlo
Murlo is a little, well-preserved mediaeval village lying at the heart of an unspoilt territory. Its inhabitants were found to be the actual descendants of the ancient Etruscans. The village is best known for being home to a unique Etruscan settlement on the surrounding hills: a large princely building surrounded by craft workshops, one of the major findings about this civilisation. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Buonconvento
The village of Buonconvento is still surrounded by the ancient defensive walls, and has retained its original mediaeval appearance. Major landmarks include the belfry (Torre Civica) of the ancient government palace, Palazzo Podestarile. However, wandering the streets of the town is just as evocative, especially in September, when the famous Sagra della Valdarbia brings the love for good food, music, arts and literature together. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Montalcino
Founded by the Etruscans and best known for Brunello wine, Montalcino is a lovely village lying at the mouth of Val d’Orcia. Major landmarks include the 14th century pentagonal fortress with its towers, and a museum housing a collection of late mediaeval art. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, one of the major examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, is a must-see. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
San Quirico d’Orcia
San Quirico d’Orcia lies at the heart of a World Heritage landscape that embodies the essence of the Val d’Orcia. The impressive Horti Leonini, created around 1580, are the most popular attraction. Major architectural landmarks also include the Osenna collegiate or parish church (dating back to the 12th-13th century). Bagno Vignoni, the only hamlet in San Quirico d’Orcia, is home to Piazza delle Sorgenti, a large, rectangular 16th century hot spring which is definitely worth a visit. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Pienza
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, Pienza was hometown to Pope Pius II, who considered it the “ideal” city of the Renaissance. The projects that were conceived at that time are a significant example of the rational urban architecture of the Italian Renaissance, although not all of them were actually implemented. Taking a walk through Piazza Pio II to visit Palazzo Piccolomini and the cathedral is something you cannot miss. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Asciano
Lying at the heart of the Crete Senesi, and surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, Asciano is an ancient Etruscan village that experienced its greatest splendour during the Middle Ages. The old town centre is a treasure trove of art and history, where traditions and legends merge inseparably. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Castelnuovo Berardenga is the southernmost town of the Chianti area. Its territory is a unique combination of gentle slopes and uneven hills, guarded by castles, churches and fortifications, with cypress-lined alleys leading the way. In 1260, the battle of Monteaperti, won by Siena and its allies against Florence, marked the beginning of the Ghibelline rule over Tuscany, and invested Siena with a political and economical predominant role, both in Italy and in Europe. (Ph. Credits Antonio Cinotti)