Strade Bianche 2023 Preview | Van Der Poel Huge Favourite In His Season Opening Race 

Thanks guys, without Pog and Wout its really quite open this year and as always legs on the day and also luck plays a big part. MVDP has to be up there at the top of the shortlist. It may be his first road race but his form in the CX season was stupendous and if the weather is wet on the day (unlikely) then that will suit him even more. All the five 'Monuments' began before WW1 with LBL being the oldest starting in 1892. If any other race is ever to be added to the list then there are many with a lot longer pedigree than Stade Bianche - such as Amstel Gold which started in 1968.

Surprised to see Asgreen not in the selection. Schmid also might have fit here imo, unless he isn't good on gravel.