Team RadioShack_Leopard’s Swiss rider, Fabian Cancellara, will be aiming for a historic third victory in the Strade Bianche, to add to his previous victories in 2008 and 2012.

If Cancellara does win, he will become the first rider to have one of the unpaved sections of the “corsa degli sterri” named after him, as from this year RCS Sport/La Gazzetta dello Sport have decided to name these sections of the road after riders who complete a hat trick of race wins.

However, there will be no shortage of challengers for the Swiss rider, who starts the race wearing nr.1.

Confirmed for the 7th edition of the Strade Bianche are: American Taylor Phinney and Australian Cadel Evans of BMC Racing Team, Team Movistar Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde, Slovakian Peter Sagan of Cannondale Pro Cycling Team, the Italian national champion Franco Pellizotti of Androni Giocattoli, and the Team Lampre Merida Italian duo Filippo Pozzato and Damiano Cunego.

Following the same route as last year, the key points coming on the climbs of Montalcino, Buonconvento, San Giovanni and San Giorgio for a total of 190 km, the race offers little hope for riders not on top form.

These are the 17 teams invited to the Strade Bianche:

AG2R LA MONDIALE (FRA)
ANDRONI GIOCATTOLI (ITA)
ASTANA PRO TEAM (KAZ)
BARDIANI VALVOLE (ITA)
BLANCO PRO CYCLING TEAM (NED)
BMC RACING TEAM (USA)
CANNONDALE PRO CYCLING (ITA)
CRELAN – EUPHONY (BEL)
GARMIN SHARP (USA)
IAM CYCLING (SUI)
KATUSHA (RUS)
LAMPRE MERIDA (ITA)
MOVISTAR TEAM (SPA)
RADIOSHACK – LEOPARD (LUX)
TEAM ARGOS SHIMANO (NED)
VACANSOLEIL – DCM PRO CYCLING TEAM (NED)
VINI FANTINI – SELLE ITALIA (ITA)