Behind the Lens: My Three Days Filming at Strade Bianche
Strade Bianche – one of the most spectacular cycling races in the world. This year, I was there not just as a spectator but as a filmmaker. My task? To capture footage for a documentary of Alen Milavec, Tadej Pogačar’s personal photographer, while also shooting some content for Continental.
Three days of filming felt like they flew by in an instant. Everything was carefully planned, but as always, unexpected moments kept us on our toes from the very beginning.
Day 1: A Chaotic Start and Exploring Siena
The first day started early – I took a train to Italy, where I met up with Alen, and together we traveled to Siena. Our pre-production was already done a week in advance, the plan was set, but things quickly took a turn.
Just before our final train from Florence to Siena, Alen received a message: the recon ride was happening now. We were told recon was on Friday, but there was a last-minute change. At that moment, we had no idea how to adjust our plans. Because for photo and video content, the recon ride is the most important ride there is. You get the best footage at the recon ride because on the race you usually can’t move freely along the route.
Once we arrived in Siena, things settled down a bit. We stayed in a hotel with the Colnago team, who also took care of our accommodation and meals. After checking in, we headed into the city just a five minute walk away for lunch and to scout shooting locations for race day.
Siena left a strong impression on me; the city is stunning, and I know I’ll be back.
Alen found an incredible location for shooting the finish line a bar with a balcony offering a perfect view. The owner made an offer: €50, including food and drinks. Not bad at all! Alen later said it was the best €50 he ever spent.
By the end of the day, we had also discovered another potential shooting spot, providing a bird’s-eye view of the finish. Now, Alen had two strong options.
We ended the day with dinner alongside the Colnago crew. The food just kept coming I was already full after the appetizers, but the Fiorentina steak was worth it.
Foto: Alan Bučar Vukšić @alan.bucar
Day 2: Coffee Ride and Pre-Race Prep
The second day was crucial. Pre-race training rides are where you capture the best footage since you have the most time to shoot. But this was only a coffee ride and we had limited time.
This wasn’t an intense workout but a coffee ride a relaxed ride the day before the race. However, the route they chose wasn’t exactly car-friendly; it was hardcore gravel, and at one point, I was convinced we’d get stuck in a ditch. And I thought we wouldn’t make it out. Thankfully, we made it out and kept following the team.
At one point, the riders stopped for coffee and pastries. The mood was relaxed, and I took the opportunity to grab some great shots. Even with limited time, we managed to capture high-quality footage.
After the ride, we returned to the hotel, took a quick shower, and immediately headed back out to collect our accreditation and attend the team presentation.
Once again, we wrapped up the night with dinner at Colnago’s table. And once again, the food didn’t stop coming.
Foto: Alan Bučar Vukšić @alan.bucar
Day 3: Race Day and Chaos at the Finish
Race day. I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how I’d juggle everything—shooting for the documentary, capturing content for Continental, and delivering a video for Colnago.
The day started near the team buses, where we filmed the bikes and caught some shots of Pogačar arriving. Then, we rushed to the start line, though I didn’t manage to capture much. Still, I got what I needed.
Alen headed to the balcony to set up for the finish, while I went to a bar to edit and deliver Colnago’s video, which they wanted to post right after the race started. Once that was done, I made my way to the finish area to prepare for the final shots.
By that time, the women’s race had finished, so I managed to capture some footage of Urška and snap a few photos.
Then came the biggest shock—Tadej crashed. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious. He quickly got back up, launched an attack, and crossed the finish line solo.
Somehow, I squeezed my way through the crowd of photographers and ended up right next to Pogačar at the finish, filming his first moments post-race. That lasted until a security guard kicked me out apparently, I wasn’t supposed to be there. But hey, I got the shots!
Foto: Alan Bučar Vukšić @alan.bucar
And I can’t forget about Alen. He got the most iconic shot of his career. He had the shot in mind knew the location and with Pogačar riding alone into the Piazza del Campo he got this incredible shot.
Foto: Alen Milavec @alenmilavec
What I Took Away from Strade Bianche
This was one of the best filming experiences I’ve had so far. Working at a race like this, where everything is fast-paced and unpredictable, is challenging but also incredibly exciting.
And if you’re with Colnago, one thing’s for sure—you’ll eat well.
Strade Bianche, see you next year! 🚴♂️🎥