Our 2026 Strade Bianche bike set-up

Our 2026 Strade Bianche bike set-up

AG Insurance – Soudal Head of Technical and Development Nicolas Coosemans explained in our latest blog what makes the Italian event so special and different.

Strade Bianche is a unique race with unique challenges. The gravel roads of Tuscany, similar to what the riders had to face one century ago regardless of the race they were competing in, make for an extremely demanding day, not just for the riders but also for the mechanics, who need to find the perfect combination of tire and pressure selection for a smooth ride over the gravel.

“In Strade, we use wider Specialized Cotton TLR tyres and adjust the pressure, which is really specific for this race. We are relying on the Roval Rapide CLX lll wheels, which are perfectly made for the Classics and the rough circumstances there. These wheels are of great help because they reduce the impact, which can make the difference during the race,” explained Nicolas Coosemans, AG Insurance – Soudal Head of Technical and Development.

On the draining sterrati, the riders need to have more grip without losing power; for that reason, making sure the tire pressure is right becomes a must. It’s not an easy task when it comes to preparing everything – from the right set-up to having members of the team positioned at the various key points on the course with spare wheels in case of untimely punctures – but our staff is ready for the big day.

“The bike is not different from the other races; there’s a lot of climbing on the menu, so we don’t go with the biggest gear but with the standard setup. There are a lot of factors involved, which in turn make for a stressful day. I wouldn’t say it is the most stressful of the year – that remains Paris-Roubaix – but it’s definitely in the top three, so you always need to be attentive and prepared to step in and help if and when necessary.”

“Material-wise, Strade Bianche is incredibly demanding, but as always, we are prepared for it and hope for a strong display from our team. You also need a lot of luck in Strade Bianche. The riders need to find the perfect line and stay at the front of the bunch the entire time to avoid the deep stones that can hinder their chances. You can’t take it easy in the first hours like in other races, where you have the possibility to hide in the beginning; here you go full gas from kilometer zero. That’s why it’s important to be near the front of the peloton, as it allows you to float over the gravel. The dust can also complicate matters a lot, and if you are too far back, you end up following the line taken by other riders, and the race becomes much harder for you. Overall, it’s a race where everything has to run flawlessly the entire day,” concluded Nicolas.