Where Dust Meets Glory: Pinarello Q36.5 Ready for Strade Bianche
From the gravel roads of Tuscany to the steep finale in Siena, one of cycling’s most spectacular races awaits — with Tom Pidcock leading a team built to embrace the chaos.
There are races, and then there is Strade Bianche.
Every spring the peloton rolls into Tuscany and cycling returns to something elemental: white gravel roads, steep hills carved through vineyards and olive groves, and the unmistakable finish in Piazza del Campo in Siena. It is a race that feels both ancient and modern at the same time — brutal, beautiful and unpredictable.
On Saturday, March 7, Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team lines up once again at the start of one of cycling’s most iconic one-day races.
Leading the team is Tom Pidcock, winner of this race in 2023 and second in 2025, a rider whose skillset perfectly matches the demands of the race. The British rider has often spoken about his love for Strade Bianche — the technical challenge of the gravel sectors, the explosive climbs, and the incredible atmosphere created by thousands of fans lining the Tuscan roads.
But Strade Bianche is never won by one rider alone. It is a race of positioning, teamwork and determination. Behind every decisive move lies a team working through dust, chaos and fatigue.
Among those ready to play a crucial role on Saturday are Mark Donovan and Quinten Hermans, two riders who know exactly what makes this race so special.
The Atmosphere of Tuscany
For Mark Donovan, the magic of Strade Bianche begins well before the start line.
"It’s probably one of the coolest races of the year. It’s very different from anything else on the calendar. Just being here in Tuscany for these days already feels special — almost like racing one of the monuments."
Mark DonovanThat atmosphere becomes even more tangible once the race explodes across the gravel sectors.
Last year Donovan spent much of the day in the breakaway, experiencing the race from the front.
"When you’re in the break it’s really special. You’re the first riders hitting the gravel sectors and the climbs, and the crowds are incredible. You really feel the energy of the race. It hasn’t rained for a while, so it might be fast and very dusty. Strade Bianche is always a bit chaotic — crashes, punctures, things happening everywhere. But that’s part of what makes it such a great race."
Mark DonovanFighting Until Siena
For Quinten Hermans, Strade Bianche represents a different kind of challenge: a race where persistence matters as much as strength.
"I really like this race” he says. But it’s also one where you need a bit of luck. In the past I’ve had punctures and small crashes here, like many riders. That’s the thing about Strade Bianche — you can never give up” Hermans explains. “Even when something goes wrong, you just keep fighting all the way to the finish. If you stay committed, you can still turn the race around."
Quinten HermansThe Belgian knows exactly how unpredictable the white roads can be. In 2025 he suffered two punctures during the race, yet still managed to fight his way to 15th place. Success here demands a rare combination of qualities.
"The gravel makes the race really selective, but you also need the legs for the climbs and everything in between” he adds. “You have to be a complete rider — good bike handling, good positioning before the sectors, and strong enough to follow the attacks uphill."
Quinten HermansIt is precisely this blend of technical skill and endurance that makes Strade Bianche one of the most captivating races in the world.
Race Roster
Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team will start Strade Bianche with the following riders:
- Xabier Mikel Azparren
- Mark Donovan
- Quinten Hermans
- Xandro Meurisse
- Tom Pidcock
- Milan Vader
- Brent Van Moer
The Road to Piazza del Campo
From the first white roads to the legendary final climb of Via Santa Caterina, Strade Bianche is a race that rewards courage and persistence.
It is where riders battle not only each other, but also dust, gradients and the relentless rhythm of the Tuscan hills.
And when the race finally arrives in Siena, under the shadow of medieval walls and the roar of thousands of spectators, only the strongest — and the bravest — remain.
For Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, the mission is clear: embrace the chaos, fight through the dust, and chase glory on the white roads of Tuscany.
