Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ) claimed a stunning victory at the 2026 Strade Bianche Donne, sprinting to victory in Siena after a tense and tactical race. Chabbey beat Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) to the line, with Franzisca Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ) completing the podium.

Race Highlights: A Day of Attacks and Tactical Battles

The race saw numerous attacks throughout the day, beginning with a move by Chabbey and Dominika Włodarczyk (UAE Team ADQ) on the first gravel sector of Colle Pinzuto. This initial break was eventually reeled in by a small group with 40km remaining.

Later, a decisive move by Niewiadoma-Phinney and Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) on a steep climb created a gap, but the duo couldn’t establish a significant lead. They were caught by a chasing group including Chabbey, Magdeleine Vallieres (EF Education-Oatly), Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Koch with 6km to go.

Monica Trinca Colonel (Liv AlUla Jayco) attempted to join the leaders inside the final 5km, but attacks were quickly neutralized, bringing eight riders together for the final kilometer.

A Thrilling Sprint to the Finish

Vallieres accelerated with 800 meters to go, prompting another attack from Niewiadoma-Phinney and Longo Borghini on the Via Santa Caterina climb. Chabbey responded, bridging the gap and positioning herself for the sprint.

“I have so many emotions, realise this right now, I will need some days. It’s good I got three weeks at altitude planned, I will have time to realise there. Wow, it’s just amazing,”

Elise Chabbey

Chabbey expertly navigated the final corners, launching her sprint with 250 meters remaining and pulling ahead to secure the win. Koch finished strongly to take third place.

Challenges for Top Contenders

The race wasn’t without its setbacks. Demi Vollering faced a mechanical issue on the Le Tolfe gravel sector, and then took a wrong turn in the chase group, effectively ending her chances.

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Chabbey Reflects on Her Victory

“I had already done some efforts before, I was in the break, and I was really on the limit so many times. In my head, I was like ‘I just want to give up’. But then I thought, ‘no, for Demi who is behind and for all the work that my teammates did, I need to go to the finish’. I passed the line first, I just cannot realise it,”

Elise Chabbey

Chabbey also expressed her pride in the team effort, acknowledging the support that led to her success.

“There were so many good riders today, all the large riders were there on the start line. And I’m so proud I could do it for the team because everybody is committed so much, the staff, my teammates. We really work as a united team. Normally it should have been for Demi, but today it’s for me, and I think she is as happy as I am when she wins.”

Elise Chabbey

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who won the 2026 Strade Bianche Donne? Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ)
• Where did the race finish? In Siena, Italy.
• Who finished second? Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)