Dust, effort, and glory: spring classics according to Erica Magnaldi

The thrilling journey between Italy and Belgium… passing through the Apennines.

Published: March 6, 2026

The early-season Classics. The first race is a true test, a moment when everything finally comes alive. There is something unique in the silence before the start of a new year—the pros and cons, heart and mind all aligning in a mystical moment that propels the athletes into a higher dimension, where the goals to be achieved are like stars that must never be lost from sight.

On the eve of such an important event as the Strade Bianche Women, Erica Magnaldi shares a mix of memories, excitement, fears, and hopes. A travel diary ready to be written with sacrifices and dreams to chase.

An epic adventure from the dust to Piazza del Campo.

Much more than a simple race, Strade Bianche has become in just a few years a true cornerstone on the international calendar. From the dust rising off the hills to the regal entrance into Piazza del Campo, the magic of this race is intangible yet intensely powerful, like few other things in the world.

“When you approach the gravel sectors,” Erica recalls, “you feel part of something almost heroic. The mind matters immensely, because this is a race that is never over—until the very last meter, everything can change.”

Even when the race is extremely tough, the finish line is always a magical moment, capable of repaying every effort. Fear is inevitable, but the desire to leave a mark pushes you to overcome it.

“The dream is exactly that: to do your best, to leave a mark in history, because in a race like this, you truly become part of history.”

Beyond fatigue: the team’s energy

This year, the Giro dell’Appennino brings an important novelty for women’s cycling. Erica faces the course with curiosity and determination.

“It’s the first year it’s been organized for us women. Honestly, I was hoping for a slightly tougher course… I would have preferred a few more climbs with greater elevation gain. But we’ll have a strong team ready to tackle this type of course, and I’m not afraid of the climbs that are there.”

In these races, tactics become fundamental: thinning out the group, creating opportunities for faster teammates, and turning every difficulty into a team advantage. The goal is not only personal but shared.

“When fatigue becomes extreme,” she continues, “what helps is remembering all the hours of training, all the sacrifices made, and also the bond with my teammates. Very often,I know that giving a little extra is not just for me, but for the entire team.”

Endurance, explosiveness and courage

Preparation for the Ardennes leaves no room for improvisation. These are grueling, long races that test both body and mind, often under extreme conditions—cold, rain, even snow. Every training session becomes a piece of personal history, a small step toward the ability to tackle courses that seem never-ending.

But endurance alone is not enough: explosive power is needed, that sudden burst that allows riders to conquer the short, steep climbs typical of the Ardennes.

“In my case, I work a lot on this aspect,” Erica explains, “because it’s not exactly my strongest point. But over the years, with a lot of effort, I’ve improved.”

Racing in these events means embracing the challenge in every detail: knowing your limits, pushing them a step further, and reaching the finish line knowing you gave everything.

The value of sacrifice

When thinking of the great champions who have made history in these races, Erica’s mind immediately turns to Anna van der Breggen, who has left an indelible mark even on her imagination.

“For me, Anna van der Breggen has always been impressive: her consistency, her tenacity, her reliability… and the fact that she has remained humble and respectful. Now she’s back racing after a break and sometimes works for the team. It’s truly admirable that a champion of her caliber, who has won everything she has won, is also willing to sacrifice for her teammates.”

Erica’s role in a race depends on the team’s strategy. Often, her goal is not only to conserve her own energy but to act in support of the leader: creating opportunities, covering attacks, or setting the pace on climbs to set up a teammate’s move.

“My effort depends a lot on the role I have in the race. Very often, I find myself helping a leader like Elisa Longo Borghini, so sometimes you don’t focus too much on saving energy for the finish. My role can be to try a breakaway in the first or middle part of the race, cover attacks, or ride a hard pace on a climb to set up her attack. In that case, energy is managed differently depending on the race tactics.”

The lightweight power of Nimbl

Not just an accessory but a true extension of the body, Nimbl is for Erica a bridge between strength and precision.

“Wearing this type of shoe is definitely an advantage… you feel all your power transmitted directly to the pedal. In races with steep climbs, every extra gram makes a difference, especially toward the finish.”

The lightness of Nimbl allows climbs and descents to be tackled with greater agility, while precision and reliability help maintain control even in the toughest moments. Every pedal stroke becomes more intense, every meter more significant. In extreme races, where energy management and attention to detail can make the difference between winning and falling behind, having an ally so close to the feet transforms fatigue into performance and the experience into pure focus.