Mountainous settings between Tuscany and the Marches, a departure from the edge of the Tyrrhenian Sea, for a snapshot that resembles a vacation road. However, it is for everything except rest that the runners will cover the seven stages between Lido di Camaiore and San Benedetto del Tronto, from Monday March 4 to Sunday March 10, from Tirreno-Adriatico. For its 59th edition, the Course des deux mers should give pride of place to climbers.
Starting with Jonas Vingegaard. The 27-year-old Dane, winner of the last two Tours de France, has already competed in the event in 2022, he finished 2nd overall. This time, the Visma-Lease a bike rider comes to win. And he will be favorite, notably in the absence of his former partner Primoz Roglic (now at Bora-hansgrohe). The Slovenian, defending champion, has decided to compete in Paris-Nice this year. The French race takes place at the same time.
Several riders could, however, cause problems for Jonas Vingegaard. Ben O’Connor, the Australian from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, has been in good shape since the start of the season. UAE Team Emirates rider Juan Ayuso also has a card to play. The Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education – EasyPost) is also aligned with this Tirreno-Adriatico. Note the participation of Julian Alaphilippe, despite his fall on the Strade Bianche, this Saturday.
If the race begins with an extremely flat 10 km time trial this Monday (5 m difference in altitude), the rest of the course will give pride of place to climbers. The sixth and penultimate stage promises to be particularly spectacular, with an ascent to the summit of Monte Petrano.
In recent years, mountain lovers have become accustomed to winning Tirreno-Adriatico: Primoz Roglic (2023, 2019), Tadej Pogacar (2021, 2022), Nairo Quintana (2015, 2017), Alberto Contador (2014) or Vincenzo Nibali (2012, 2013).
The entire race will be broadcast on Eurosport 2. Stage arrivals should take place around 3:30 p.m., approximately an hour before those of Paris-Nice.
