A Strade Bianche to remember, in pictures

Valverde into an early ‘sterrato’ section.

Nelson Oliveira manages his way through a difficult descent, which caused several crashes. The grooves created by the bikes’ wheels are visible below.

Carlos Betancur in his 2018 debut with the Movistar Team.

José Joaquín Rojas was a great support for his team leader in the late third of the race.

Andrey Amador on the attack in the final part of the race.

Valverde surged from the back to reach 4th place. Here into the final 10km, ahead of Zdenek Stybar (QST), Giovanni Visconti (TBM) and Robert Power (MTS).

Valverde with triple World champion Peter Sagan (BOH).

The perennial beauty of Strade Bianche – this time, covered in mud.

Another picture of arguably the two biggest names in the men’s Strade Bianche.

Valverde at the Piazza del Campo after notching up the day’s 4th place.

Amador after finishing the Strade Bianche.

A gesture which says more than many words.

The early stages of the women’s race, with the Movistar Team always keeping the front, five strong until the final 20km.

Lourdes Oyarbide, already covered in mud, gets assistance from DS Jorge Sanz.

Experienced Polish rider Małgorzata Jasińska during Strade Bianche.

Everyone suffered, from the very leaders and all the way down to the back.