Strade Bianche 2026

The GOAT, The Kid, and The White Dust

Well, here we go. The 2026 season officially starts tomorrow (for me, at least) with the white roads of Tuscany. Strade Bianche is arguably the most beautiful race on the calendar, though I’m mostly watching from the recliner this year while my knee decides if it ever wants to climb a hill again.

The Pogi Factor

Tadej Pogacar is back. He’s looking for a record 4th win in Siena, and honestly, who is bettting against him? The man doesn’t just win; he demoralizes. Last time he won this, he attacked with 81km to go. I can’t even get through 81km without three espresso stops and a nap.

Is the Hype Train Too Fast?

Then there’s the "new" kid, Paul Seixas. If you’ve been on the cycling forums lately, you’d think this 19-year-old was the second coming of Merckx. He had a massive solo win in France last week, but I’ve seen this movie before.

Winning a semi-classic is one thing; staying on Pogačar’s wheel when the gravel gets steep and the dust gets thick is another. Personally? I think he’s a bit over-hyped. I’m not buying the jersey yet. This weekend is the ultimate litmus test. If he’s still in the front group at the Piazza del Campo, I’ll eat my words (and maybe a second pastry). Until then, I’m sticking with the seasoned pros.

The Spectator Plan

The race finishes tomorrow morning around 9:30 AM here in Texas. I'll be glued to the screen, ice pack on the knee, coffee in hand, witnessing the "slow-motion spectacle" of my own recovery while these guys fly over the dirt.

Who do you have for the win? Is Pogi a lock, or is there a "dark horse" (maybe even the kid?) that can actually push him?