Nat Bromhead
Itaian helmet manufacturer KASK have announced a continuation of support for the legendary Strade Bianche white road race, the company being named official partner of the men’s and women’s races along with the public participation Gran Fondo Strade Bianche.
The Strade Bianche is Italy’s first WorldTour race for year with fans and supporters eager to catch a glimpse of 2017 winners Michał Kwiatkowski and Elisa Longo Borghini battle it out in the Italian countryside.
History, Prestige & Scenery
Ylenia Battistello, KASK’s cycling brand manager, said the atmosphere at the races and the Gran Fondo was always exciting.
“The route is stunning and a real test for all riders taking part,” she said. “The history and prestige that surround both the pro races and the Gran Fondo have ensured they remain an integral part of Italian – and world – cycling as the reputation of the Strade Bianche continues to grow.”
Ylenia said the decision to work with Strade Bianche is part of KASK’s ‘100% Made in Italy’ drive.
“This seeks to promote the passion and quality of Italian craftsmanship, echoing the Italian passion for cycling,” she said. “Both the newly released Utopia and Valegro will be on display in the expo area close to the start.”
Gravel Sectors Await
On Saturday 3rd March, the fourth edition of the Strade Bianche Women Elite will cover 136km and start at 9.30am from Siena’s Stadium/Medicean Fortress area, with the 12th edition of the men’s Strade Bianche starting from the same stunning venue at 11am and covering 184km.
The men’s race will include 11 gravel sectors totalling 63km (34.2% of the course) and the women’s race will include eight gravel sectors totalling 31.4km (23.1% of the course). KASK-sponsored Team Sky – which saw Michał Kwiatkowski win the 2017 edition in a KASK Protone, Wiggle High 5 – which saw Elisa Longo Borghini win the 2017 edition in a KASK Protone, Cervélo-Bigla Pro Cycling Team and Waowdeals Pro Cycling Team are all due to participate and will all be hoping for a spot on the podium.
Strade Bianche Gran Fondo
On Sunday 4th March, amateur riders will get their chance to ride the same route as the pros. The Gran Fondo Strade Bianche offers a choice of the ‘Long course’ consisting of 139.2km – 31.4km of gravel in eight sectors, or the ‘Medium course’ at 86.6km – with 21.6km of gravel in six sectors. For full route details and more, visit www.gfstradebianche.it.
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