Tirreno-Adriatico Race Guide

The third WorldTour race of the season is an important one as the peloton arrives in Italy for the “Race of Two Seas” – Tirreno-Adriatico.

Now firmly installed as one of the most prestigious and toughest stages races on the calendar, the journey between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coasts is often a key indicator of early-season form.

In addition to the battle for overall honours, the race carries an enticing subplot given the knowledge that the winner of Milano-Sanremo has frequently ridden the week-long race as part of their preparations for La Primavera.

Despite the race being bookended by time trialling kilometres, a series of lengthy stages and two finishes not dissimilar to San Remo should make the route a tempting one for potential winners of the first monument of the year.

Preparations aside, the now-famous Sea Trident trophy is a sought after prize in its own right, with a host of stage race contenders looking to add their name to the list of winners.

Stages

Wednesday 6 March – Stage one: San Vincenzo to Donoratico (team time trial), 16.9 km

The race gets under way with a coastal team time trial blast to open out some early gaps in the general classification. Rolling down the ramp in San Vincenzo the eight-man teams negotiate a tight left turn before heading on the arrow-straight run north. The road begins to rise slightly after the intermediate time check at 7.9km but there is no doubt that this largely flat route will suit the pure time trial specialists. The opening test concludes as the road loops back around into Donoratico to decide the fastest team and an early race leader.

Live coverage on British Eurosport 2 between 1330-1530 with highlights at 1900-1945 (BE1), 2215-2315 (BE2) and 2255-2340 (BE1).

Thursday 7 March – Stage two: San Vincenzo to Indicatore, 232km

A stage length of Grand Tour proportions greets the riders ahead of a traditional Tirreno stage finish into Indicatore. For the second day running the riders leave the coastal town of San Vincenzo before beginning the first leg of the journey east. Two early categorised climbs – Massa Marittima (44.6km) and Cantoniera Montebello (85.3km) should not pose too much of a problem ahead of a flat finish for the sprinters. Flat circuits around Indicatore should test out the sprint trains before a bunch kick.

Coverage on British Eurosport 2 between 1515-1630 with highlights at 1800-190 (BE1), 2100-220 (BE2) and 2300-0000 (BE1).

Friday 8 March – Stage three: Indicatore to Narni Scalo, 190km

A lumpy finish with short, sharp climbs will certainly prick up the interest of those targeting a win in Sanremo. A flat start out of Indicatore should allow a break to go clear but as the riders enter Marsciano (100.9km) business begins to pick up. Six distinct ascents greet the riders on the run for home. Despite only one climb being categorised the stage should see punchy attackers try to split the race apart. GC contenders will also need to be alert on an intriguing finish.

Live coverage on British Eurosport 2 between 1330-1530 with highlights at 1515-1600, 1800-1900, 2100-220 and 2230-2330 (all BE1).

Saturday 9 March – Stage four: Narni to Prato di Tivo, 173km

Three significant climbs during the second half of the day should see the race given a shake-up in the mountains. Heading out of Narni all eyes will be on the first major ascent of the Sella di Corno (94.3km). From that point on there is little respite as the Passo delle Capanelle (132km) should split up the peloton further. Those riders still in the mix will be working for their team leaders onto the lower slopes of the Prati di Tivo climb. The 15km test maxes out at 12% shortly after Pietracamela but there will no doubt be some big attacks among the favourites.

Coverage on British Eurosport 2 between 1600-1800 with highlights at 1900-2000 (BE1), 2200-2300 (BE2) and 2300-0000 (BE1).

Sunday 10 March – Stage five: Ortona to Chieti, 230km

Another long stage, the finish in Chieti means once again the riders must tackle the spectacular climb up the Via Salomone in front of a passionate crowd. With a maximum gradient of 19% and such a long day in the legs the time gaps will open out as riders come to a near standstill on the climb 2km from home. Earlier on the race leaves the coast from Ortona and loops around to the south taking in significant climbs of the Forchetta di Palena (91km) and the hefty Passo Lanciano (190.1km). The final 10km features the twin hits of two brutally steep climbs, the first up to Chieti-Pietragrossa thinning things out before the final wall. Despite the lack of elevation this stage could again see significant time gaps.

Coverage on British Eurosport 2 between 1600-1800 with highlights at 2000-2030 (BE1) and 2300-0000 (BE2).

Monday 11 March – Stage six: Porto Sant'Elpidio to Porto Sant'Elpidio, 209km

Constantly undulating, the penultimate stage will be a tough one for all involved with only brief moments of respite during another 200km+ day. Despite containing just three categorised climbs the saw-tooth profile could provide multiple springboards for attacks ahead of the final stage time trial. The day starts and finishes at different points on the same coastal stretch of road at Porto Sant’Elpidio. Much of the action will take place over three passes of the brutally steep Sant’Elpidio a Mare. The combination of a tough, relentless parcours could see some favourites tailed off within sight of the finish.

Live coverage on British Eurosport 1 between 1330-1530 with highlights at 2000-2100 (BE1) and 2200-2300 (BE2).

Tuesday 12 March – Stage seven: San Benedetto del Tronto (individual time trial), 9.2km

For the second year running the race comes to a head with a short time trial around the traditional finish town of San Benedetto del Tronto. The pan-flat test is the very definition of an out-and-back course, a dead turn at the split point at the Piazza Salvo d’Acquisto (4.7km) one of the only real challenges along the route. The real enemy could be the wind, but with a short course and all the leaders setting off close together it should be an even fight all the way to the finish.

Live coverage on British Eurosport 1 between 1330-1530.

Team Sky History

Tirreno-Adriatico has been a happy hunting ground for the team when it comes to stage wins. Last time out the team claimed two in quick succession through Mark Cavendish and then Edvald Boasson Hagenon stages two and three respectively. Boasson Hagen also picked off a win in 2010, but the team will be going all out to improve upon a best-ever GC placing of 10th – captured by Thomas Lofkvist in 2011.