Disappointing UAE Tour brought new insights for Ferrand-Prévot, who then focused on a specific area

While SD Worx-Protime looks to Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini, Ferrand-Prévot also hopes to compete in the final. "The finish on the square in Siena makes this race extra special. I love Italy and the course of Strade Bianche. The many gravel sectors make it a unique race."

"The UAE Tour was a good start to get back into the peloton and find my rhythm again. I was dropped on the climb to Jebel Hafeet, so in the past few weeks, I’ve been working on my climbing ability in Tenerife," Ferrand-Prévot shared via her Visma | Lease a Bike team channels.

"The altitude camp has prepared me for the spring classics, where I really want to perform. That’s why we chose to train at altitude—to get stronger for what’s ahead. I feel like I’ve made good progress in Tenerife. Strade Bianche is a great opportunity to see where I stand right now," she explained.

Alongside the Frenchwoman, the Dutch team will also line up with Fem van Empel, who will be making her first race appearance of the year, as well as Eva van Agt, Sophie von Berswordt, Margaux Vigié, and Femke de Vries. "My season start in Spain was good, which gives me confidence. The races in Belgium last weekend were completely different, with fewer climbs and shorter bursts of acceleration. Personally, I prefer it when the race stays tough throughout. That’s why I think the upcoming races in Italy will suit me better than the Belgian ones," she said.

"This race was high on my wish list. As a team, we need to make sure that Pauline reaches the final in the best possible position on Saturday. I think we should race aggressively. Last weekend at Omloop, you could see what can happen from a breakaway," De Vries concluded.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot
Femke de Vries
Fem van Empel
Eva van Agt
Sophie von Berswordt
Margaux Vigié