Strade Bianche 2024 men's race as it happened - Tadej Pogacar cruises to victory after audacious solo attack 81km out

Up until about five minutes ago, a group of four (nee five) riders had enjoyed a modest lead over the bunch for the better part of two hours/70km. Containing no riders who stood a real chance, it was never likely to go the distance, but someone had to do it.

The riders were:

Lawson Craddock (Jayco-Alula)
Dion Smith (Intermarche-Circus-Wanty)
Mark Donovan (Q365 Cycling)
Anders Johannessen (Uno-X)

Of the 15 gravel sectors, six have been completed. The next one is the third longest of them - the 9.5km long San Martino in Grania.

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage from what many consider to be the most beautiful race of the year. Into only its 18th edition, images of world class racing taking place on chalk dust roads under crisp blue Tuscan skies have rendered Strade Bianche an early season icon and a staple of the spring calendar.

Except, it’s been raining in northern Italy. The on-bike battles will be no less thrilling for the less than pristine conditions - indeed, one of the most memorable editions in recent years occurred when the roads turned to rivers - but it will make for a very different dynamic.

What is certain is that with Tadej Pogacar making his 2024 bow, and Tom Pidcock just one of the many star names joining him in the bunch, we have a classic in store.