Strade Bianche: At the Heart of the White Roads

On March 8th, the Strade Bianche brought together cycling enthusiasts on the roads of Tuscany to celebrate the legendary white gravel paths. Alongside Alex Rey, a bike enthusiast based in Switzerland, we experienced vicariously the joys and hardships of the 137-kilometer course with 2,350 meters of elevation gain. This allowed us to dive into the heart of the race, among 9,000 passionate riders from all corners of the world.

Alex, who lives in Switzerland, is more accustomed to paved roads than dusty trails. He therefore had to find his rhythm and a group to hang on with.

Setting off on the white roads means accepting that every vibration travels right up to the rider. For this Tuscan immersion, Alex chose to pair the Émile chamois shorts, with their triple-density chamois for maximum comfort, with the versatile long-sleeve Roubaix jersey. On such a demanding event, the kit must become a second skin and fade into the background, leaving room for pure sensations.

At the top of the final ramp leading to the Piazza del Campo, the kit was no longer an issue: simply a witness to a day where rider and machine become one, fully blending into the landscape.

Through his story and photos, Alex reminds us that cycling is a total experience: a human adventure that we are proud to have dressed for one legendary day.

And after a well-deserved good pizza, it’s off to the course to watch the pro riders go by.

At Manufacture Mercier, we love these stories where the bike is more than just watts—it's a human, visual, and immersive journey. Thanks to Alex for taking us along in his slipstream.

Photography : Alex Rey
Words : Mattis Pretto et Romain Chouet