Despite the fact that Strade Bianche doesn’t belong to UCI World Tour, it’s still one of the most prestigious and interesting races on the cycling calendar. In this year’s edition, CCC Sprandi Polkowice will be the first Polish team to participate.

The race around Siena is known for its white, gravel roads. This year there will be 9 sectors of such pavement, with over 52 kilometers stretch of gravel in total. The last section is located 12 kilometers from the finish on an 18% climb. The race will be decided on a final ascent, Banchi di Sotto, where the maximum gradient is 16%.

"We have selected a group of riders who can perform well in the demanding hilly terrain. Davide Rebellin showcased good form in the Arabic races and that he is still one of the best riders on short and steep climbs," Piotr Wadecki, sporting director of CCC Sprandi Polkowice, said.

"Maciej Paterski eyes spring one-day events and Strade Bianche is one of his first goals. Also Simone Ponzi is capable of delivering a solid result, since he has participated in this race on  few occasions and once finished 12th."

Victor de la Parte and Felix Großschartner made the roster as well. They have been in good shape early in the season and both claimed top 15 places in hilly races – in Vuelta Ciclista a la Region de Murcia and on a stage of Vuelta a Andalucia respectively. The former was unable to complete the Andalusian race due to fever, but his break from the bike was short and he should be ready for Saturday.

Nikolay Mihaylov, Bartłomiej Matysiak and Marcin Mrożek who has a few top results in races held in gravel terrain in his resume, are also on the roster.

Most of the squad will stay in Italy after the Strade Bianche and will take part in the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico. It will be the first UCI World Tour event for CCC Sprandi Polkowice this season.

Line-up of CCC Sprandi Polkowice for Strade Bianche (5.03, 1.HC): 

Davide Rebellin, Maciej Paterski, Simone Ponzi, Victor de la Parte, Felix Großschartner, Nikolay Mihaylov, Bartłomiej Matysiak, Marcin Mrożek