Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) capped off his World Tour resume with a podium finish at the Stradhe Bianche in Siena on Saturday. German champion Max Schachmann said the race was tricky and dangerous, but he gave it his all to win. [Schachmann finished third after a battle for second place with Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates).

"It was tricky and the gravel sectors were dangerous. Yesterday we only had a short reconnaissance. I didn't take enough risks in the last sector. He showed his cyclocross skills and made the final move."

Schachmann was part of a decisive breakaway that included Van Aert, Formolo, Jakob Fuglsang (Astana), Alberto Betiol (EF Pro Cycling) and Greg Van Avermaat (CCC Team). He was part of the group.

Van Avermaert made his move on the steep gravel section, Le Torfaix, with 12km to go. Schachmann, Formolo, and initially Bettiol tried to chase, but Bettiol struggled to keep pace.

Van Aert won the race solo, with Formolo and Schachmann about 30 seconds behind him, battling for second place.

"I tried to catch him," Van Aert said. I gave everything I had to win, and in the end I gave it everything I had, even though I missed a little leg in the sprint. I'm ready for the next race."

Strade Bianche marked the official resumption of the World Tour calendar after a season-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 coronavirus in March.

"I'm happy to be racing again. Great racing, great scenery, and the top three is a great start."