Gianni Vermeersch Warns Route Changes May Drive Riders Like Mathieu van der Poel Away from Strade Bianche

The absence of top names like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert from this year’s Strade Bianche has sparked speculation, with many pointing to the race’s fit within their spring schedules as the main reason. However, the truth may be more complicated, with recent changes to the race route potentially playing a significant role.

In an interview with IDLProCycling.com, Belgian cyclist Gianni Vermeersch expressed his concern that these alterations could drive away classic riders in favor of climbers. Last year, the organizers extended the race by 30 kilometers, pushing the total distance over the 200-kilometer mark. While this change may have been intended to add excitement, it has significantly altered the balance of the race, making it more favorable for climbers.

“Purely as a race, Strade Bianche is one of my favorites, but last year the organizers made it longer,” Vermeersch explained. “Now the race is 30 or 40 kilometers longer, mostly with climbs. That makes it more of a climbers’ race. It used to be a 50-50 split between climbers and classics riders.”

Vermeersch’s comments highlight a growing concern among riders who specialize in the “classics” style of racing—events that are typically flatter and more suited to riders with explosive power over longer, sustained efforts. The route changes seem to shift the balance away from these types of riders and toward those who excel on challenging, hilly terrain.

With Strade Bianche now requiring more climbing, it’s becoming clear that the race may no longer be as enticing for riders like van der Poel, who often focus on events that blend both tactical racing and strength over long distances but with fewer steep inclines. If this trend continues, it could lead to further shifts in the participation of top classics riders in future editions of the race.

While Strade Bianche remains one of the most iconic and exciting races in the cycling calendar, the new course modifications may be changing its appeal, particularly for the powerful classics specialists who have traditionally thrived on the event’s previous balance. Whether these changes will permanently alter the race’s identity or lead to adjustments in future editions remains to be seen.