Strade bianche means “white roads” and Montepaschi is the sponsor is a professional one day race. Roots of this race is a course and event begun by amateur cyclists at the “L’Eroica” The race came about due to Italy wanting to establish a new one day classic on the professional calendar to rival the traditional Spring classics. To accomplish this the race offers the white gravel and shale roads of Tuscany rather than the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. The course will be 190 km in length starting in Gaiole in Chianti and finishing in the Piazza del Campo in Siena. The route will have 8 sections of white roads for the total of 57 km (35 miles) of the 190 km (119 miles) total distance. The itinerary of race pass through best scenery of Tuscany, same beautiful landscape you discover taking a tour in Tuscany with Cicloposse. Up and down terrain, no long climb, but some steep short uphill. The gravel road is well done, beaten earth. The departure is the little village in heart of chianti: Gaiole. The first 35 km to Siena and few km on Cassia in on paved road, not difficult…to warm muscle! Then face the first part of white road to Radi and Murlo. Is the area so called Crete Senesi, is challenging ride. After a short part on paved is again gravel road in the wood, mostly downhill to reach Buonconvento. Across this village and face the long uphill to Montalcino, the Brunello wine town. This is the most challenging part beacuase the longer uphill, but all paved. From the top a nice downhill to Torrenieri, small village – from there start the quiet and scenery road called ex-cassia – the racers will take it and then take a nice gravel road to Cosona and the little old tuscan Borgo Lucignano d’asso. There are many curves, challenging up and down – especially the part to Pieve a salti. At last again in Buonconvento where the racer will ride in easier Cassia road towards Siena. In Monteroni d’Arbia they turn to Asciano – mostly uphill but aphalt road. In Asciano they have already rode 134 km! now they face off road 11 km long, the borgo they pass is Monte Sante Marie – this road have very steep up and down. They reach again Chianti classico once arrive in Castelnuovo Berardenga. Now they ride to Siena part on paved and part unpaved. Winning post is the central square shell shaped of Siena – famous piazza where twice a year there is the Palio di Siena horse ride. The Eroica for amateurs, will be held on first sunday of October each year. Cicloposse is organizing a tour – 6 days and last day will be join Eorica ride!! Inquiry at info@cicloposse.com Giuliana Mulas