Alberto Bettiol raced generously in front of his local Tuscan fans in Strade Bianche, but had few regrets after finishing fourth.

Bettiol hails from Castelfiorentino, just 60 km from Siena, and honed his racing skills on Tuscany's steep provincial roads and dirt roads. However, he consistently struggled for results in the Strade Bianche, failing to finish the race on two occasions.

An aggressive performance against the biggest and strongest classic riders in the first World Tour race of the modified season on Saturday was a smile for the EF Pro Cycling rider.

"It's cool to finish my home race and get in on the action. I want to respect the rules and stay here, but this 4th place result is nice and motivating.

"The team did a really great job today. We were focused from kilometer zero. Everyone did what they had to do and we raced as a team. [I tried to show my hand in the final and tried to anticipate the moves and attack. It was in front of my fans and it was a local race, so I had a lot of people cheering me on. At the end I was dropped by a climber on the climb, but I have no regrets and I did my best. In the end this 4th place finish is a great way to restart my racing season."

EF Pro Cycling teammate and Strade Bianche regular Simon Clark attacked in the eighth sector of the gravel section in Tuscany and led the race. Shortly after, Bettiol also launched an attack.

"After Monte Santa Marie, there were only six in front and no conversation, but with the chasers behind it was clear that we had to work together to widen the gap.

"In the final, Greg Van Avermaet fell off and so did Fuglsang. I tried to catch Van Avermaet but he was really strong, the strongest. This race is won by the strongest rider and he was the strongest."

"Schachmann and Formolo dropped me, and maybe it was the cost of my previous efforts. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Everyone did really well today."