“So far I have improved every year”

“This will be my fourth Strade bianche and I have always improved every year,” Zana recalls good memories of the past editions. “Last year I ended ninth place and I hope to improve this weekend this weekend.”

The 2025 route differs slightly from previous editions, but not too much, as Zana is: “I don't think an additional gravel sector can make the difference. Monte Sante Marie will make the real selection.

However, Jayco Alula could bet on another horse – Alan Hatherly. The MTB world champion should immediately feel at home in the gravel sector, even if it is his debut in such a long race. The earlier appearances of the South African on Alula Tour could be a promise of what will come on Saturday.

The really rounded Australian team will have many other options this weekend thanks to Felix Engelhardt, Anders Foldage and Davide de Pretto – all three drivers on the edge of a breakthrough result. They are supported by experienced Alessandro de Marchi and Asbjorn Hellemose. Both can offer a large amount of valuable gravel views.

The team's sports director, Valerio Piva, is looking forward to the Sterrato Roads, including the new Seravalle sector, which was added to the course directly in front of the famous Monte Sante Marie, in which Tadej Poagacar has been replacing his 80 km long solo last year. “The Strade bianche is one of the hardest and most selective races of the entire World Racing route. This year there was more because a new gravel sector of over nine kilometers during a race was added with a total of over 210 kilometers.”

Team Jayco Alula for 2025 Strade Bianche:

• Alessandro de Marchi
• Davide de Pretto
• Felix Engelhardt
• Different foldage
• Alan Hatherly
• Asbjørn Hellemose
• Filippo Zana