SBS On Demand will air the women's edition of the 2022 Strade Bianche, with coverage set to commence at 9:35pm (AEDT) this Saturday, March 5.
Borghini and Trek-Segafredo will be looking for success in Siena, and the 2017 winner will be joined by world champion Elisa Balsamo, Audrey Cordon-Ragot, Tayler Wiles, Lauretta Hanson and Shirin van Anrooij.
The star-studded line-up is a signal of intent from the American team, something Borghini attributed to an increasingly competitive peloton and product.
"During the first few races of the season, I've seen a much higher level in the peloton, and greater organisation among the teams than even a year ago," Borghini said.
"It's only been a few months since 2021, but the growth is evident. The group is getting stronger, and all the teams are getting more competitive.
"This is good for the entire movement."
The women's edition of the Strade Bianche will feature 31.4 kilometres of gravel in total, along with six categorised climbs, culminating in one unforgettable ramp up to the finish line in the Piazza del Campo.
Borghini is all too familiar with the 136-kilometre course, having held firm on a wet run-in five years ago, but this time, she won't have to contend with Anna van der Breggen, the Dutch legend who called time on her career last September.
"Van der Breggen's absence will make the race more balanced," she said.
"We saw that Annemiek van Vleuten is already very strong, but I think the race will be open to a lot of different options. Several teams will try to impose their own way of riding, without necessarily waiting.
"Personally, I saw Lotte Kopecky racing strong, as well as Marta Cavalli and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig.
"FDJ could be the team that animates the race more than any other."
"Compared to previous years, my approach to Strade Bianche has been softer, more relaxed," Borghini added, "and my level is getting better, but it's not yet super.
"That doesn't mean I'm any less confident or have any less motivation to perform well.
"I'm always excited to race Strade Bianche. I also want to point out that, as Trek-Segafredo, we'll be at the start with a well-equipped team. We have several options to play, besides myself."
Fresh off signing a two-year deal, the 30-year-old believes her experience will help play a part in the unpredictable Tuscany treat, having never finished below fifth.
"Experience in a race like this matters a lot," the Italian said. "And the same goes for the head. You need to race with intelligence, without spending too much of yourself early in the race.
"For once, I may not be the first to attack or react. If I think back to last year, I still have some regrets.
"Second place stung because of how the race unfolded. On the other hand, I also learned how to play the game better.
"If I'm in a lead group of two, I won't feel an obligation to pull."
