{"id":54095,"date":"2023-09-17T17:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-09-17T15:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=745807"},"modified":"2023-09-17T17:35:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-17T15:35:44","slug":"chasing-the-pros-and-riding-the-white-roads-of-the-gran-fondo-strade-bianche-in-tuscany","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/chasing-the-pros-and-riding-the-white-roads-of-the-gran-fondo-strade-bianche-in-tuscany\/","title":{"rendered":"Chasing the pros and riding the white roads of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche in Tuscany"},"content":{"rendered":"

George heads to Italy for a double-header of WorldTour racing and gran fondo riding on Tuscany’s white gravel roads <\/p>

By George Scott\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 17 September 2023 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

As the gradient kicks up to 20 per cent, the rear wheel of the rider in front slips on the loose gravel beneath the tyre. The pedals jump forward, bucking the tired body out of the saddle. He wobbles, then topples and, in slow-motion, makes his way to the ground for an involuntary inspection of Tuscany\u2019s white gravel roads.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m on the final gravel climb of the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche, the amateur sportive that takes place on the same roads as the Italian one-day Classic, but 24 hours after the pros.<\/p>\n

The Strade Bianche<\/a>, contested over the \u2018white roads\u2019 that give the race its name, has already earned near-Monument status, despite being won for the first time by Alexandr Kolobnev in 2007. Now it serves as the aperitif to the Classics season that follows and, this spring, 7,000 riders \u2013 me included \u2013 flocked to the region to ride the corresponding sportive.<\/p>\n

The forlorn faller dusts himself down and remounts as I grind past, searching once again for another gear at the top of the cassette. There is no extra gear \u2013 there never is, when you really need one. But while the climbs are steep around here, they\u2019re mercifully short, too, and I crest the summit, ready to go again one last time as the hilltop finish in Siena looms into view.<\/p>\n

Ancient roads on an aero bike<\/h2>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
George\u2019s Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod for the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

I\u2019d arrived in Siena four days earlier to join the training camp guests of Team EF Coaching. My guides for the week would be Zack Morris, the director of the coaching company attached to the WorldTour team<\/a>, and Michael Valgren, the EF Education\u2013EasyPost pro, who finished 11th at Strade Bianche in 2022.<\/p>\n

The agenda is simple: recce each of the gran fondo\u2019s nine gravel sectors before a weekend double-header of watching the pro race and, finally, riding the amateur event.<\/p>\n

The Strade Bianche was borne out of L\u2019Eroica, the vintage event which, since 1997, has also taken place on Italy\u2019s gravel roads, but for which riders are required to use bikes dating from before 1988.<\/p>\n

\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Like most all-round race bikes in 2023, the latest SuperSix is designed to combine low weight and aerodynamic performance.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Think steel frames, down-tube shifters and gearing better suited to a pan-flat caf\u00e9 run than the profile served up by any ride near Siena, the medieval Tuscan city perched proudly above the surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve taken the opposite approach to the hardy participants of L\u2019Eroica and have opted for Cannondale\u2019s new SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod<\/a>, launched in early March ahead of the event<\/a>, swapping round-tubed steel for aero-profiled carbon fibre; skinny tubular tyres for wide 30c rubber; and down-tube shifters for a wireless electronic groupset<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Be prepared<\/h2>\n
\"Recce\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Three recce rides in the build-up to the gran fondo provided an opportunity to check out each of the nine gravel sectors.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

While the men\u2019s pro race is contested over an 184km course, the gran fondo pits riders against a 138km route, which largely matches that of the elite women\u2019s race.<\/p>\n

Over the course of three recce rides, we take in all of the 41.8km of unpaved roads that punctuate the route: to prepare for what\u2019s awaiting on Sunday, but also to understand why this part of Tuscany has established itself as part of cycling\u2019s folklore.<\/p>\n

\"Recce\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The white gravel roads of Tuscany have earned a place in cycling folklore (note that recce rides took place on the previous-generation Cannondale SuperSix Evo).<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Strade Bianche runs through the Crete Senesi<\/em> area south of Siena. Translating to the \u2018clays of Siena\u2019, the grey soil gives the landscape its lunar-like appearance. Indeed, every year the Strade Bianche conjures some of the most striking \u2013 and beautiful \u2013 images of the pro cycling season, dust clouds billowing above the peloton as it hits the gravel.<\/p>\n

If the recce rides teach me one thing ahead of the gran fondo, it\u2019s that, while the majority of the gravel comes during the first half of the route, the punchiest climbs come in the final 40km, via a succession of double-digit ramps.<\/p>\n

The final climb in Siena, on the narrow street of Via Santa Caterina, peaks at 16 per cent, ahead of the finish in the city\u2019s cavernous square, the Piazza del Campo.<\/p>\n

\"Recce\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
BikeRadar, reporting for duty.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Pidcock paves the way<\/h2>\n
\"Team\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Tom Pidcock took a solo victory in the men\u2019s elite race.<\/span><\/figcaption> Marco Bertorello \/ AFP \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It\u2019s here that I watch Tom Pidcock solo to victory in the men\u2019s race. The Ineos-Grenadiers rider has been on the attack for 45km and arrives in the heart of Siena, 20 seconds ahead of the chase group.<\/p>\n

From the Piazza del Campo, I watch Pidcock make the final turn on the big screen that has had thousands of spectators glued to the action. He appears at the elevated edge of the sloping square before free-wheeling, arms aloft, to the finish beneath the Torre del Mangia clock tower.<\/p>\n

\"Tom\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The historic Piazza del Campo provides a fitting venue for the race\u2019s finish in the hilltop city of Siena.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

For those of us with Team EF Coaching, this is our final stop of the day. Earlier, we\u2019d embarked on our own race in the EF Education\u2013EasyPost van, jumping between three gravel sectors \u2013 with a lunch stop for a generous plate of pici cacio e pepe<\/em>, thick hand-rolled spaghetti in a cheese and pepper sauce \u2013 to watch the race whizz by.<\/p>\n

Watching a professional cycling race is typically an experience of contrasts: the slow build of finding a vantage point in a web of closed roads, following the race on the radio or through a patchy live stream on a smartphone, and the growing anticipation that reaches a visceral climax as the television helicopters thud into view. Then the peloton flashes by in seconds.<\/p>\n

\"Peloton\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Strade Bianche was first run in 2007 and has become one of the most eagerly anticipated races on the calendar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Not at Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n

From our earlier vantage point on the climb of San Martino in Grania, the lead group, driven by Ineos-Grenadiers, had, indeed, passed in a flash.<\/p>\n

But from there, a strung-out line of chasers fights in vain among team cars to bridge back to the peloton, or, as the minutes pass and the broom wagon approaches, the stragglers jostle for position among the spectators who have now swamped the road to make their way off the climb. Lone riders, jobs done or dreams dashed for the day, look to make their own way back to Siena or find a team soigneur in order to hitch a ride back to the team bus.<\/p>\n

\"Peloton\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The hills of Tuscany provide a breathtaking backdrop to the action.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Gran fondo fever<\/h2>\n
\"Gran\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The gran fondo route covers 138.5km.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

By the time I\u2019m standing at the start line of Sunday\u2019s gran fondo, I\u2019ve recced each of the individual gravel segments and seen how the pros do it \u2013 now it\u2019s time to ride the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n

Italian gran fondo organisers don\u2019t do things by halves and, despite the sun only just rising above the church towers of Siena, and the early-morning temperature in single figures, the atmosphere is red-hot in the city\u2019s Fortezza Medicea, the 16th Century fort serving as the start pen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are strong!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on guys, all in!\u201d<\/p>\n

Against a soundtrack of deafening rock music, the compere<\/em> is working his vocal chords as hard as I\u2019ll work my legs over the 138km to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cPozzato, Cancellara, Cipollini, Colbrelli, Bettini,\u201d he continues, reeling off the star-studded cast of former pros in the VIP pen, also riding the gran fondo. Cancellara \u2013 the Classics legend, aptly nicknamed Spartacus \u2013 is the only three-time winner of the men\u2019s elite race, triumphing in 2008, 2012 and 2016. This is doing nothing for my nerves.<\/p>\n

\"George\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The first 20km are on paved roads, with a few short rises to warm up the legs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Every rider here is wound tight like a spring and as the flag drops, I hit the short descent out of Siena before finding myself surrounded, once again, by riders in a group as tight as the start pen.<\/p>\n

The pace is lightning-fast \u2013 as is typical for an Italian gran fondo \u2013 but the first section of sterrato<\/em>, coming after 20km, immediately strings things out.<\/p>\n

The Vidritta sector is merely a taste of things to come, rated only 1\/5 by the organisers and all slightly downhill. In some respects, it\u2019s like the pav\u00e9 of Paris-Roubaix, rewarding commitment to a big gear.<\/p>\n

\"Gran\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
There are nine gravel sectors in total, amounting to 41.8km of unpaved riding.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Bagnia sector that follows offers the first real test. A fast descent that sees me gripping the bars tightly \u2013 and hoping my tyres are doing the same on the pockmarked surface below \u2013 flows into a 3.2km climb with a rain-rutted surface that immediately saps any momentum.<\/p>\n

Bar a couple of double-digit pitches, the ascent is rarely steep, but it\u2019s the kind of climb \u2013 early in the route \u2013 where it\u2019d be easy to burn through too many matches. This is where the week\u2019s recce rides start to pay off \u2013 I know how much climbing we\u2019ve got to come.<\/p>\n

Do it yourself<\/h3>\n

The 2024 Gran Fondo Strade Bianche will take place on Sunday 3 March. Entries are now open via the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information on Team EF Coaching\u2019s pro-race camps and training plans, head to the Team EF Coaching website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div> <\/section>

The Tuscany of postcards<\/h2>\n
\"George\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Vineyards and white gravel roads \u2013 this is the Tuscany of postcards.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The roads here are rarely flat, but the smooth tarmac between sectors provides some respite before the next two gravel segments. Radi is characterised by a series of punchy rollers that are typical of the area, while La Piana is one of Strade Bianche\u2019s classic stretches, having featured in every edition of the race.<\/p>\n

By now, we\u2019re deep into the Tuscan countryside on tracks that see little traffic through the rest of the year.<\/p>\n

Mostly downhill, La Piana should be an opportunity to tick off another 6.4km sector with relative ease, but it\u2019s fast and, more to the point, there\u2019s a deep layer of fresh gravel that means grip is a state of mind, rather than a reality.<\/p>\n

The road snakes from left to right, with a 180-degree hairpin to contend with, too, and, if you want to carry any speed here, you need to be comfortable with the tyres squirming beneath you. Tuscany? It\u2019s more like Tokyo Drift, and I\u2019m glad I\u2019ve got some extra control \u2013 or, rather, more margin for error \u2013 through the 30c rubber on my bike, rather than the 23c tyres of days gone by.<\/p>\n

\"Peloton\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The 2023 race and gran fondo were blessed with early-spring sunshine.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tim de Waele \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Serravalle segment arrives and begins with a climb that rises along a tree-lined ridge. This is the Tuscany of postcards \u2013 of farmers ploughing the fields, of vineyards awakening from their winter slumber, and of agriturismos giving visitors a taste of la dolce vita.<\/p>\n

The gravel road falls into a short but technical descent and then runs flat on a track that has taken its toll beneath the tyres of the tractors that normally service these parts.<\/p>\n

Potholes litter the road and require careful navigation \u2013 or bunny hops \u2013 while long stretches of washboard rattle me to the core \u2013 and become a graveyard for dozens of bottles ejected unceremoniously from their cages.<\/p>\n

\"Gravel\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The start of the San Martino in Grania sector \u2013 one of the most beautiful on the route.<\/span><\/figcaption> George Scott \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This is the longest gravel sector so far, but the San Martino in Grania segment is longer still at 9.5km. It is also one of the most beautiful stretches of road I\u2019ve ever ridden, paved or otherwise.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re in the heart of the Crete Senesi now and the landscape unfolds like a crumpled bedsheet, the rolling hills disappearing into the distance under the haze of the early-spring sunshine, before rising up to meet the snow-capped Apennine Mountains in the north.<\/p>\n

A series of tight, steep switchbacks leave me breathless, not only due to the gradient but also because of the remarkable view that stretches as far as the eye can see. Siena sits proudly \u2013 ominously \u2013 on its hilltop in the distance; behind me, the white road I\u2019ve just climbed hugs the ridge, cutting a path through the spring growth.<\/p>\n

San Martino in Grania brings to a close three successive sectors that have served up more than 25km of gravel. A 40km stretch of paved road is to come but, with a nagging headwind and fatigue growing, it turns out to be no free ride.<\/p>\n

\"Group\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Endless views over the endlessly rolling roads of Tuscany.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The sting in the tail<\/h2>\n
\"George\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The route is rarely flat, but the punchy climbs of the finale provide a sting in the tail.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If the opening 100km of the Strade Bianche Gran Fondo is generously described as rolling, the final 38.5km is nothing short of sawtooth-like in its profile.<\/p>\n

Here, the final three gravel sectors come in quick succession, and each is viciously steep. The first, Monteaperti, is short enough to punch through with gritted teeth, but the second, Colle-Pinzuto, gains more than 100m in elevation and many riders are now walking \u2013 or, in my case, riding at walking pace.<\/p>\n

The gravel finale comes on Le Tolfe, a rollercoaster ride that starts with a plunging descent, before the road kicks cruelly up. I\u2019m desperately searching for that extra gear, with each push of the pedals now a sinew-straining leg press. With a fine layer of gravel beneath the tyres, there\u2019s no option but to stay seated \u2013 rise out of the saddle and you\u2019ll instantly lose traction, as one fallen rider finds out.<\/p>\n

\"George\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Some riders are reduced to walking as the ascent takes its toll.<\/span><\/figcaption> Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A church stands at the top of the climb and the ascension to its summit, this late in the ride, requires an otherworldly effort. There\u2019s just 14km between La Tolfe and the finish in Siena, but the road continues to rise and fall, before entering the outer city walls and the final climb: Via Santa Caterina.<\/p>\n

Strade Bianche\u2019s iconic finish, a narrow passageway that rises steeply to the centre of the city, provides a fitting finale for a race that delivers drama at every turn.<\/p>\n

\"Riders\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The final steep climb of the Via Santa Catarina in Siena tests pros and amateurs alike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Luc Claessen \/ Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The gradient rises skyward once again, the historic buildings of Siena towering above, and this time the surface has switched from gravel to equally slick polished medieval flagstones.<\/p>\n

Locals line the ramp to provide just a hint of the experience felt by Pidcock 24 hours earlier. I\u2019ve got nothing left but adrenaline, but that\u2019s enough here to fuel the final, tank-emptying effort to the finish in the Piazza del Campo.<\/p>\n\n\n

Horse for the Course | Riding the new Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod at the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche<\/h2>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The new Cannondale SuperSix Evo was launched shortly before the Strade Bianche.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In many respects, the rise of Strade Bianche, since the race\u2019s inception in 2007, has gone hand-in-hand with the evolution of the race bike.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s race bikes \u2013 even those designed for WorldTour racing, such as the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod \u2013 are more versatile than ever, and at home across varied terrain.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I liked, and what I\u2019d change, about my Gran Fondo Strade Bianche whip.<\/p>\n

Three things I liked\u2026<\/h3>\n

Efficient everywhere<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The latest SuperSix cuts a sleek figure.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The SuperSix has undergone a transformation over the last few years. Gone are the classic round tubes of old<\/a> \u2013 a move many traditionalists will still mourn \u2013 and in are the aero-profiled tubes and hidden hydraulic hoses of the latest edition. This 2023 frame is lighter, too, at a claimed 810g for a 56cm frame<\/a>, painted and with hardware.<\/p>\n

The result of this blend of low weight and aerodynamic prowess is a bike that feels supremely efficient just about everywhere, not least on a rolling course such as the Strade Bianche. That\u2019s an impressive balancing act.<\/p>\n

\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Aero wheels add to a fast package.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There are no long climbs here, but the ascent accumulates via a relentless series of steep ramps. With a rigid, lightweight chassis at its heart, and poised handling for the technical descents on the other side, the SuperSix did a fine job of seeing off everything thrown at it with no fuss whatsoever.<\/p>\n

This is a bike that ticks off the kilometres with relative ease, whether punching uphill, carving downhill or fighting a headwind on the flats.<\/p>\n

Gravel-friendly clearance<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
I swapped the supplied 28c tyres for 30c rubber on the eve of the event \u2013 and was glad for it.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Gran Fondo Strade Bianche serves up a wide variety of \u2018gravel\u2019 over the course of its nine sterrato <\/em>sectors. Compact dirt roads nearly as smooth as tarmac; deeply-rutted roads that have fallen victim to spring storms; filling-rattling washboard; tyre-deep gravel ready to catch out a careless rider; and everything in between.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be clear, you could ride the roads around here on the rim-braked, narrow-tyred bikes of the inaugural edition nearly two decades ago \u2013 I\u2019m assuming a dry day here \u2013 but the gravel-friendly clearance of today\u2019s machines makes the Strade Bianche a more comfortable, more confidence-inspiring and, I\u2019d wager, faster experience.<\/p>\n

I asked for 30c tyres to be fitted in place of the supplied 28c rubber on the eve of the event, and was glad I did. There is nothing to lose by going wider here.<\/p>\n

Oh, and top marks to the Vittoria Corsa Control tyres, set up with inner tubes, for going the distance without any punctures. They\u2019re not the quickest tyres out there, but some additional protection is a smart move here.<\/p>\n

Seamless SRAM shifting<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Seamless shifting from the wireless SRAM Red AXS groupset.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Okay, I\u2019ll keep this short \u2013 SRAM\u2019s Red AXS didn\u2019t miss a beat throughout, as much as I tried to churn through the gears with mistimed shifts on the Strade Bianche\u2019s steeper pitches.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s one key change I\u2019d make if heading back.<\/p>\n

\u2026and three things I\u2019d change<\/h3>\n

More generous gearing<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Thinking about riding the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche? Go for gearing that will help you spin up the punchy climbs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

My bike was set up with a 48\/35t crankset<\/a> and a 10-28t cassette, which equates to a slightly more generous easiest gear than a more traditional 52\/36t crankset with an 11-28t cassette<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, I\u2019d switch to SRAM\u2019s 10-33t cassette in a heartbeat if heading back to Strade Bianche.<\/p>\n

\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
I\u2019d have preferred SRAM\u2019s 10-33t cassette over this tighter 10-28t option.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

With nearly 2,500m of ascent across the 138km ride, there\u2019s no shortage of climbing \u2013 and, crucially, a disproportionate amount of that is on the steep stuff.<\/p>\n

Add in gravel climbs where traction and momentum can be challenging, and you can start to understand why you might need an \u2018easier\u2019 gear than expected.<\/p>\n

Aero overload<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The carbon handlebar is too deep for my liking.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As I\u2019ve already mentioned, the Cannondale SuperSix is a finely-tuned race machine, but there are two aero build details I could do without.<\/p>\n

First, the extended depth of the Vision Trimax Carbon Aero handlebar makes it harder work to grip the tops of the bar than I\u2019d like. It was fine as a support for resting the hands on the tops, but too deep to wrap my fingers around comfortably \u2013 for my dainty hands, at least. I\u2019d swap in a more ergonomic bar if this were my bike.<\/p>\n

\n
\"George's\n<\/picture><\/div>
Cannondale has gone all-in on aero with these slender cages and bottles.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"George's\n<\/picture><\/div>
The slim cages hide behind the down tube but the matching bottles are a little fiddly to grab for an unaccustomed rider.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div>
\n
\"George's\n<\/picture><\/div>
I swapped in a pair of regular round bottles for the gran fondo.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Second, with this latest version of the SuperSix, Cannondale introduced the \u2018Aero Gripper\u2019 bottle and cage combination. The cages sit within the boundaries of the down tube and, combined with the flattened profile of the bottles, keep everything hidden from the wind.<\/p>\n

I found the bottles harder to grab on the fly during my final shakedown ride, so swapped in standard round bottles (the Aero Gripper cages are compatible with standard bottles).<\/p>\n

The aero bottles might be something you get used to over time, but I didn\u2019t want to have any concerns about grabbing a bottle quickly when tired during the gran fondo and was happy to pass on the claimed three-watt saving.<\/p>\n

Tyre tweaks<\/h4>\n
\"George's\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
There\u2019s room for 34c tyres in the SuperSix and I\u2019d consider going even bigger than the 30c rubber used if I were going back to Strade Bianche.<\/span><\/figcaption> Daniel Loots \/ Team EF Coaching<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ultimately, I had no significant complaints with my tyre setup \u2013 having switched from 28c to 30c in advance of the event \u2013 but I would drop the pressure<\/a> for a return to Tuscany.<\/p>\n

I opted for around 74psi \/ 5.1 bar for my 77kg weight but, given the fact that 41.8km of the 138.5km gran fondo course was unpaved, I\u2019d be confident in dropping that further to gain a little more comfort and control on the rougher sections (particularly if set up tubeless<\/a>), without having any real impact on rolling speed.<\/p>\n

What about a wider tyre? Given the latest SuperSix can accommodate 34c rubber, I\u2019d certainly consider dropping a bigger tubeless tyre in there for as smooth a ride as possible but, as I\u2019ve already mentioned, the 30c Vittoria Corsa Control tyres did just fine.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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