Strade Bianche (2016) Photos March 5

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World Champs, Lizzie Armitstead and Peter Sagan at the Pre-Race Press Conference	Peter Sagan said: "The Strade Bianche tomorrow is a very nice race for me. It’s just unique in the world. Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders and the Strade Bianche are different than normal races. I like it very much, I like to ride my bike on gravel roads more than on the asphalt. I’ve come second here twice, I’ll try my best once again tomorrow. If it rains as the forecast says, it’s going to be a very hard race. I haven’t raced much this year yet but I had a try in Belgium last week, so I already have two races in the legs. I have more important objectives ahead this year, but tomorrow’s race is also important. People suggest that I should race in a more conservative way, but try to hide with this jersey! How? Whatever happens, I’m glad to take part in this beautiful event.".	Lizzie Armitstead said: "I think it’s very important to be here for the Strade Bianche NamedSport – it’s exciting too. I said a few times that I prefer to wait before I make a judgment about the new Women's World Tour but this race is definitely a great event to start with. It helps to showcase women's cycling; it’s a symbol of how great women's cycling is. The event was already a success last year. It’s one of the hardest races of the season. We came first and second one year ago [with Megan Guarnier in first place] and I’m hoping for another win for Boels-Dolmans, it doesn’t matter if it’s me or a team-mate. I have a lot of goals this year, it’s going to be a long and hard season, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself in the early part. Obviously [after winning the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad] the legs are good. Whether it’s me or a team-mate, we have to win. I’m still proud every time I get introduced as the World Champion. Some of the best cyclists in the world have never been the World Champion. I’m grateful every time I hear that".
The press conference was in Siena, the start and finish for the race

Stage 1:  Women's Race  Full Results and Report

The Women's World Champ, Lizzie Armitstead, signing in	Lizzie Armitstead successfully attacked the lead group of three on the finishing climb to Piazza del Campo in Siena	Your 2016 Stradie Bianche Women's Podium: 2nd Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Rabo Liv Women Cycling Team) + 3s, 1st Lizzie Armitstead (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team) 121km in 3h30’13”, average speed 34.535km/h, 3rd Emma Johansson (Wiggle High5) + 13s

Stage 2:  Men's Race  Full Results and Report

Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) signing for his final Strade Bianche	Another fine performance by the 21 year-old youngster, Tiesj BENOOT (LOTTO SOUDAL) 8th today + 41s	Peter Sagan looking fine in his World Champ's cold weather kit
Early on one of the nine gravel sectors totaling 52 km	Jesse Sergent (Ag2r La Mondiale) at the front	Break
Peloton 1:30 back		Buonconvento
Buonconvento		Lucignano
ETIXX - QUICK STEP leading the chase	Lucignano
San Martino In Grania	The contenders at the front on one of the last gravel sectors	Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) took the lead in the final 200m and held off Zdenek STYBAR (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) through the final corners
	Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) won the battle to the line against last year's winner, Zdenek STYBAR (ETIXX - QUICK STEP)	Three wins in the 10 editions of this race for Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO)
Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) was aggressive at the finish and almost pulled out a solo win finish 3rd + 4s	Peter SAGAN (TINKOFF) couldn't follow the late attack by Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) and finished 4th + 13s	A great way to walk away from his final Strade Bianche
	Your 2016 Strade Bianche winner, Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO)
"This day is special. I had to play my best cards. I'm speechless. I knew that I couldn't let Brambilla get too far ahead, despite Etixx-Quick Step outnumbering me. I used my experience and confidence to leave it to the very end. It's because I know myself very well. To win it for the third time means that I have made history as I'll now have my name on a gravel road. I put my mark in Siena forever. It makes me happy."	Your 2016 Strade Bianche Podium: 1st Fabian CANCELLARA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) sandwiched between Etixx - Quick Step riders, 2nd Zdenek STYBAR (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) and 3rd Gianluca BRAMBILLA (ETIXX - QUICK STEP) + 4s
	The sweet taste of victory