The race broke open just before the Monte Sante Marie gravel section. The rain came pouring down, resulting in epic conditions. This was the signal for a group of favorites to open up the throttle just before one of the many highlights in the race. Tadej Pogacar attacked at over eighty kilometers from the line. It turned out to be the starting shot of his solitary victory race.

Laporte and Valter then joined a group a few minutes behind the eventual winner. After a shuffle there too, the podium places were decided and the duo rode for all they were worth towards the magical Piazza del Campo in Siena. Tenth place turned out to be the maximum possible for the Frenchman from Team Visma | Lease a Bike.

"This is not the result we came for”, team manager Grischa Niermann stated openly and honestly just after the finish. "We were simply not good enough today. We can and may be that honest. Christophe still rode a very good race. He just nestled himself in the top ten, between a lot of good climbers. The conditions certainly didn't make it any easier, but Strade Bianche is tough every year. We also knew that beforehand. It's abundantly clear that the best got away with the top prize today."