Cannondale Pro Cycling's first big event of the season is fast approaching. On Saturday, March 8, the Green Machine will find itself on the charming, white, gravel roads of Sienna to attend the 2014 Strade Bianche. It was at this race, surrounded by Tuscany's beautiful scenery, where Moreno Moser and Peter Sagan took first and second in 2013. This year, the Italian and the Slovak will lead Cannondale Pro Cycling while breaking-in the new Cannondale Synapse.

 

The technology of the Synapse Hi-MOD carbon frame and fork were designed with this early spring race in mind. Utilizing Cannondale's unique S.A.V.E Plus micro-suspension technology for improved handling over rough road surfaces, and the Power Pyramid providing the perfect amount stiffness for all out efforts and in the final sprint in to Piazza del Campo in Siena, the team is sure to perform above the competition.  

 

"I'm excited about coming back to race on these roads. They remind me of one of the best moments of my career thus far. Plus, I really enjoy the race's unique terrain, and the new Synapse will make competition even better," said Moser. "After riding at the Tour of Oman, I'm feeling confident. I know that I will be among the best on Saturday. My form has gotten better and better since the winter, and I've seen positive results over the last few months.

 

"Obviously, training is different than racing, and I need to feel just as strong racing as I do training. I need to find strength while I'm competing. Your adrenaline starts flowing when you know that you have a real chance for success, and I think I'm ready for the Strade Bianche."

 

"The Strade Bianche will be a real test of my condition after two months of races and hard training," said Sagan. "This race is exciting, and it has all the characteristics of a Classic race, even without the cobblestones. The Strade Bianche is hard, unpredictable, and challenging.

 

"Moreno and I were a great team last year, and I think that will be the key to our success in 2014. There are many contenders that have already shown their strength, but we'll do whatever we need to do to be better than them."

 

If Cannondale Pro Cycling can rely on Moser and Sagan to lead the team during Strade Bianche, then the Captains can also count on Oscar Gatto as a key rider for the finale. The Italian rider had strong racing form at the Tour de San Luis, Tour of Qatar and Tour of Oman. Oscar's knack for Classics riding will be important during Strade Bianche as he is a past podium finisher in the race.

 

Experienced riders Maciej Bodnar, Kristijan Koren, Alan Marangoni, as well as young guns Matthias Krizek and Alberto Bettiol, will guarantee a great race while they support the rest of the team as the reach their goals. While in Italy, Cannondale Pro Cycling will be led by team director Stefano Zanatta.