A leading group of six riders opened up a gap in the beginning of the Italian classic. The high temperatures combined with the sloping gravel sectors made for 184 tough kilometres. Team Jumbo-Visma constantly remained in the front with Van Aert. On the last sector of the day, Van Aert attacked, after which no one could keep him from winning.

“It was extremely exhausting”, Van Aert said. “I was the strongest in the last part of the race. Everyone in the leading group had good legs. I always believed in myself and in my plan. On the last sector I went full throttle and my technique worked to my advantage. It was an all-or-nothing attempt. Fortunately, it worked out very well.”

It is the twelfth pro win for Van Aert. Earlier he won a stage in the Tour de France and two stages in the Critérium du Dauphiné. The Strade Bianche suits the Belgian time trial champion. In all the three editions he participated, he was on the podium.

“It was a goal to win this race sometime in my career. The fact that I have already succeeded makes me very proud. I live for these races. After a period of a lot of training, this naturally feels fantastic.”