CyclistExplore the Strade BiancheStrade Bianche is for many people the most beautiful Classic on the cycling calendar. Its mix of steep climbs and white gravel tracks is set against an idyllic backdrop of Tuscan hills, cypress trees, hilltop villages and vineyards. Yet as sweet as this part of Italy is on the eye, its even more rewarding to experience on two wheels.With Saddle Skedaddle you can do just that, taking on the same roads as Tadej Pogaar and Mathieu van der Poel as part of your own week-long homage to Strade Bianche. And when youre not taking on a selection of the epic white roads from Strade Bianche and LEroica, Europes biggest vintage sportive, the relaxed pace of the Strade Bianche Explorer will give you the chance to explore more of what Tuscany has to offer than the pros will ever see. That includes visiting pilgrimage routes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and time-capsule villages during a week of sightseeing around this picturesque region.Spread over six days of riding based around Strade Bianches host city of Siena, with an average of around 60km and 1,000m elevation gain each day, youll make your way around the region in bite-sized chunks, soaking in the scenery and experiencing just what makes the gravel roads of Tuscany so beloved by cycling fans. All aspects of the tour have been put together by experts rich in local knowledge and expertise, and while taking on the iconic sterrato of the region is a large part of the experience, so is exploring hidden Tuscan gems, quiet backroads, vineyards and local cafes.Read on as we explore some of the high points from the weeks itinerary. Next available dates are 9th-16th May 2026 and 20th-27th September 2026, or you can set up a self-guided tour with flexible dates. For prices, details and itinerary as well as lots of other ride trip options click hereThe gravel sectors of sterrato that make Strade Bianche such a unique pro race form a large part of this quintessential Tuscan riding tour.Saddle SkedaddleThe Strade BiancheThroughout the six days of riding, youll spend much of your time on roads made famous by Strade Bianche and the Giro dItalia.Right from the start youll pick up the route of LEroica, the vintage sportive that birthed the pro Strade Bianche race of today, which serves up your first taste of white gravel through the Chianti hills. Other Strade Bianche staples are spread through the week, including visits to the 12km gravel road at Lucignano dAsso, Strade Bianches longest off-road stretch, and the three-star sector in Radi, a fixture in the early phase of the pro race.The uphill sterrato of Castiglione del Bosco approaching Montalcino on day five also deserves a mention for its 8% gradient over a punishing 3km climb.Monte Sante MarieMonte Sante Marie is a highlight of both the LEroica and Strade Bianche routes. Named after the village of the same name located in the picture-postcard Crete Senesi region, this five-star sterrato stretch is considered to be the toughest gravel section at Strade Bianche in fact, three race-winning moves have been made on this rough sector in recent years.In total, the white road spans 11.5km, with constant ups and downs and a final sting that reaches gradients of up to 18% along its winding slopes.Happily theres no race to be won here. Youre free to take things at your own pace on an opening day with just 57km of riding in total as you make your way through the undulating Tuscan hills.With an average of 60km of riding each day, youre free to take things as hard, or as easy, as you choose.Saddle SkedaddleTaking in the Tuscan sitesWithout the pressure of a pro peloton breathing down your neck, youll be able to experience Tuscany at the locals pace in the Strade Bianche Explorer.You can explore the regions cultural history at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Pienza, Radda in Chianti and Montalcino, including a two-night stay in the protected area of Val dOrcia. There, youll have the chance to enjoy a post-ride plunge in the Roman springs of Bagno Vignoni, an ancient hotspot on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.Between the walled cities and hilltop vistas, youll sample some of the regions best cuisine, wine and coffee at local hangouts. Plus, you can look forward to some world-class gelato in San Gimignano on the final riding day.SienaAll white roads lead to Siena, at least in Tuscany. So what better conclusion to your week-long Tuscan adventure than to ride into the citys hilltop Piazza del Campo, where the Strade Bianche pro race reaches its dramatic conclusion each year?Once there, youll be free to roam the citys enchanting streets, with a tour of the Duomo di Siena, the citys liquorice-coloured cathedral, a must for any visitor.Whether its lingering in the Piazza del Campo to find out more about the Palio di Siena, the citys centuries-old horse race, sampling the local cuisine at tucked-away trattorias or visiting Renaissance-era churches, losing yourself in this medieval city is the perfect way to end your week-long exploration of Tuscanys timeless charm.The post Explore the Strade Bianche appeared first on Cyclist.