Toms Skujins (Lidl-Trek) finished his ride into Siena in a heap on the wet cobbles of Piazza del Campo, then picked himself up to accept a runner-up prize at the 2024 Strade Bianche.
He admitted that it was a surprise even to himself to have remained mentally strong, then physically tenacious, in over-powering Maxim van Gils (Lotto-Dstny) on the steep Via Santa Catarina climb for second place. Even though he crossed the line 2:44 behind breakaway winner Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), it still felt like a major accomplishment for the 32-year-old.
