The peloton set off from Siena for a 203-kilometer ride, including 64 kilometers of unpaved gravel sectors. After just over half an hour of racing, the early breakaway formed, featuring Tim Rex, who is riding his first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s WorldTour squad. Rex was still part of the yellow-and-black team’s development squad last season. The 21-year-old Belgian and his eight fellow escapees were given little breathing room. Just under 80 kilometers from the finish, the group of nine was caught by the peloton, where UAE Team Emirates-XRG had set a high pace. 

Rex enjoyed his first Strade Bianche: “It was a tough race, but I had fun,” he said. “At the foot of Monte Sante Marie, the peloton came flying past us. I tried to hold on for a moment, but that’s where I hit my limit. I was already very happy to get the chance to start this beautiful race. It was a great experience.” 

A few kilometers later came the Monte Sante Marie sector, which had proven to be a key moment in previous editions. This year was no different: on the 11-kilometer gravel stretch with its steep climbs, Pogačar launched his attack. The world champion set off on a long solo effort. In the chasing group, Jorgenson was among the riders making a strong impression. 

Jorgenson began the chase together with Tom Pidcock, Isaac Del Toro, Romain Grégoire, and Paul Seixas. Not much later, that group was joined by a chasing pack that also included Van Aert. For a long time, a large group pursued the world champion, but they never got any closer. Eventually, another selection was made. A group of seven, including Jorgenson, began battling for the podium places. 

Meanwhile, Pogačar rode unchallenged to his third consecutive victory in Siena. Behind him, Seixas and Del Toro managed to attack from the chasing group. The Frenchman and the Mexican secured the remaining podium spots. After a grueling finale, Jorgenson eventually finished eighth. Teammate Van Aert fought his way to tenth place. 

“I’m satisfied with eighth place,” Jorgenson said afterward. “At a crucial moment I had a flat tire, but fortunately Pietro (Mattio) was nearby to give me his bike. I’m extremely grateful to him for that. Shortly after, I was able to switch bikes, just before Monte Sante Marie. By that point I had already spent a lot of energy getting back, so I mainly tried to follow the high pace. After that, I decided to give everything and see where it would take me. Given the circumstances, I can live with this result.”

“I can absolutely live with a top-ten finish,” Van Aert said. “I rode the race the way I had hoped. The decisive attack came on Monte Sante Marie, and that sector doesn’t lie. At that moment I felt I was just missing that little bit to follow the pace. It was a tough race, but it was certainly an encouraging performance given my difficult preparation. Now the goal is to ride a good Tirreno-Adriatico, after which I’ll turn my focus to Milan–San Remo.”