Tom Pidcock took a dominant victory on Saturday to become the first British rider to win Strade Bianche.
Pidcock’s lead was cut short in the last of 11 sections of white gravel roads, but the Olympic mountain bike champion used his astonishing descending skills to increase it again in the finale of the 184-kilometer (114-mile) route.
And, after the short but steep finishing climb to Siena’s Piazza del Campo, Pidcock had plenty of time to raise his arms above his head. He crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of Valentin Madaus and 22 seconds ahead of Tiesj Benoot.
Pidcock said, “It will take some time for this victory to sink in.” “When I went, it wasn’t the plan. But it was normally the defining moment. I found a gap and went ahead.
“To be honest, this week I had a feeling something big was going to happen today and it did.”
Sven Erik Bistrom, Alessandro De Marchi, and Ivan Romeo had little chance of breaking away for the day when Pidcock attacked with about 45 kilometers (30 mi) remaining. The Ineos Grenadiers rider quickly caught up with all three before battling it out alone in the final 20 km.
Pidcock built up a 20-second advantage but reduced it to just six inside the last 10 km. He managed to sprint it again and victory looked certain on the final section of all cobblestones, where the gradient reached a leg-breaking 16%.
Shortly before Pidcock, there was a brutal crash for attacking Alberto Bettiol. After lying on the ground for a while, he managed to get back on his bike but had to leave the race shortly after.