Why will van der Poel not race Strade Bianche 2026?

After winning Strade Bianche in 2021, Mathieu van der Poel has been absent from the race since 2023 and will not start again this year. But why will Mathieu van der Poel not race Strade Bianche 2026?

In theory, the Tuscan classic suits riders like him given the many gravel sectors, which are ideal for the cyclocross world champion, and its position in the calendar is also optimal, considering the Dutch rider raced at Omloop the other day. The reason for his prolonged absence from this race lies in the changes to the elevation gain made in recent years.

Speaking about it was Alpecin–Premier Tech boss Christoph Roodhooft in Het Nieuwsblad. These were his words:

“Compare the total elevation gain of the current race with that of five years ago, when he won, and you’ll understand the decision. In the past it was possible for riders like him, the Flemish riders, but now it is beyond his capabilities.”

It remains to be seen whether, if the route changes again in the coming years, we will see van der Poel back at the start of Strade Bianche. Already this year, as we explained in the guide to Strade Bianche 2026, the route has theoretically become easier, but apparently it still needs further adjustments to convince riders like Mathieu.

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