The EF Education-EasyPost and EF Education-Oatly teams are preparing to tackle the grueling white gravel roads of Strade Bianche this Saturday, March 7, 2026. The teams boast a strong mix of experienced riders and rising stars, all vying for success in the iconic Italian classic.

Men’s Team: Carapaz Spearheads EF Education-EasyPost

Richard Carapaz will lead the EF Education-EasyPost team in his fifth attempt to conquer Strade Bianche. He will be supported by a powerful squad including Ben Healy, Mikkel Honoré, Vincenzo Albanese, Lukas Nerurkar, James Shaw, and Michael Valgren.

Strade is a race I really like given that it reminds me of my beginnings when I started out.

Richard Carapaz

Carapaz acknowledged past challenges, stating, In past times, I haven’t had fine fortune here, but whenever I come here, I do it with all the excitement of the moment. He also highlighted the strength of his teammate, Ben Healy, adding, Ben is in really good form and he has done well in this race in previous years. I will attempt to contribute as much as I can and if I get a chance, I will try to craft it my own. We have a highly strong team.

Women’s Team: Kerbaol Leads EF Education-Oatly

Cédrine Kerbaol will lead the EF Education-Oatly team, alongside Nina Berton, Letizia Borghesi, Nina Kessler, Sarah Roy, and Noemi Rüegg.

Strade is very special. When you enter a sector, there is so much noise, but after a few seconds, it’s often a single line, and there is this kind of silence.

Cédrine Kerbaol

Kerbaol emphasized the technical demands of the race, saying, You need to set down power. You need to be good technically. You’ll see so many factors you can’t control in this race. Noemi Rüegg added, This proves nice to be back on dirt roads. It can be a little scary at times because a lot of things can happen that are out of your control. You just have to stop worrying about it. It is a lot of fun.

The Challenge of Strade Bianche

Strade Bianche is renowned for its grueling terrain and stunning Tuscan landscapes. The 213-kilometer men’s race features 16 sectors of white gravel totaling 81.7 kilometers, while the women’s 136-kilometer race includes 12 gravel sectors covering 63.6 kilometers. The course demands both physical strength and technical skill.

Ben Healy described the race as an absolute slog and noted, You have to race quite conservatively and save enough to hit them in the finale. Magdeleine Vallieres added, To race it with the rainbow jersey is going to make it really, really special this year.

Looking Ahead

EF Pro Cycling is poised for a competitive showing at Strade Bianche, with a roster of talented riders ready to battle on the iconic white gravel roads of Tuscany. The team aims to build on its strong start to the season and make its mark on one of cycling’s most prestigious classics.

FAQ

• Who is leading the EF Education-EasyPost team? Richard Carapaz.
• Who is leading the EF Education-Oatly team? Cédrine Kerbaol.
• How many kilometers of gravel are in the men’s race? 81.7 kilometers.
• How many kilometers of gravel are in the women’s race? 63.6 kilometers.