Strade Bianche predictions and cycling betting tips: Van der Poel to rule

Free cycling tips, best bets and analysis for Strade Bianche 2021.

When is Strade Bianche 2021?

The women's race begins at 8.15am with men's race following at 10.45am GMT on Saturday, March 6.

Where to watch

Live on Eurosport 1 & GCN+

Best bet

Mathieu van der Poel
2pts 7-2 general

Strade Bianche 2021 preview

The majestic white roads of the Tuscan countryside provide a jaw-dropping backdrop for the 15th edition of Strade Bianche on Saturday.

Starting and finishing in Siena, the rolling route is a landscape artist's dream and the racing often echoes the dramatic scenery.

In August, Strade Bianche was the first race back after the 2020 season was interrupted by the pandemic and a typically high-quality field featuring world champion and 2019 hero Julian Alaphilippe, Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar and Egan Bernal will converge on the start line on Saturday.

Past winners suggest this is a one-day racer's paradise and defending champion Wout van Aert is vying for favouritism with his longstanding rival Mathieu van der Poel.

The pair were involved in numerous Cyclocross battles over the winter and Van der Poel has transferred that form to the road, attacking for 80km in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, before only a faulty handlebar stopped him in Le Samyn.

With Alpecin-Fenix devoted to his cause, he could well ride to the top of the podium on the Piazza del Campo.

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