Lido di Camaiore, Italy – Filippo Ganna of the Ineos team delivered a commanding performance in the opening individual time trial of the 2026 Tirreno-Adriatico, securing victory with a time of 12:23. The 12.8-kilometer course saw riders battle against the clock along the Italian coastline, with several contenders establishing early positions in the general classification. While Ganna predictably took the win, a standout performance came from Xabier Mikel Azparren of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, who finished just outside the top ten.
Azparren, a 26-year-traditional Spaniard, completed the course in 12:45, averaging over 54 kilometers per hour. This time placed him in eleventh position as of the completion of the stage, a remarkable result considering the caliber of riders competing. The performance demonstrated Azparren’s growing strength as a time trialist and his ability to compete with the world’s best.
The race against the clock saw Ganna best his teammate, Arensman, by 22 seconds, solidifying Ineos’s early dominance in this year’s Tirreno-Adriatico. Max Walscheid and Magnus Sheffield rounded out the top four, showcasing the depth of talent in the field. A surprising fifth-place finish came from Jonathan Milan, further highlighting the competitive nature of the race.
Azparren’s ride was particularly noteworthy as he surpassed several riders considered strong contenders for the overall general classification, including Giulio Pellizari, Jan Christen and Matteo Jorgenson. He finished just one second behind Isaac del Toro, who recently secured a podium finish at the Strade Bianche, four seconds behind Antonio Tiberi (second at the UAE Tour), and seven seconds behind the experienced Primoz Roglic. This indicates Azparren is well-positioned to play a supporting role for his team, or potentially even challenge for a high overall finish as the race progresses.
For those unfamiliar, the Tirreno-Adriatico is a prestigious stage race often referred to as the “Race Between the Seas,” due to its route traversing from the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic coast. This year marks the 61st edition of the race, running from March 9th to March 15th, and covering a total distance of 1,165.5 kilometers. The race is a key preparation event for many riders aiming for success in the upcoming Grand Tours, such as the Giro d’Italia.
The time trial format, a staple of stage races, tests a rider’s individual strength, aerodynamic efficiency, and pacing ability. Riders compete individually, starting at intervals, and the fastest time determines the stage winner. It’s a discipline that often favors powerful riders with strong time trialing bikes and a dedicated training regimen.
While Ganna’s victory was expected – he’s a multiple-time Italian national time trial champion – Azparren’s performance is a significant step forward for the young Spaniard. He rides as a key support rider for Tom Pidcock, and this result suggests he’s developing into a valuable asset for the team in both time trials and potentially in the mountains as well.
Elsewhere, in the concurrent Paris-Nice race, Max Kanter of Astana took the win in the second stage, a sprint finish, besting Laurence Pithie (Red Bull) and Jasper Stuyven (Soudal). This victory adds another layer of excitement to the early season racing calendar, with both Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice providing compelling storylines and showcasing the top talent in professional cycling.
The Tirreno-Adriatico continues on Tuesday, March 10th, with a challenging road stage that will likely favor breakaway specialists and opportunistic climbers. The race is expected to intensify as riders battle for position and seek to gain valuable time in the overall standings. Keep an eye on Azparren, who has demonstrated his form and could play a crucial role for his team in the stages to come.
Fans can follow the race live on ProCyclingStats.com (https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tirreno-adriatico/2026) for stage results, standings, and live updates. The race promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a mix of time trials, challenging climbs, and fast-paced sprint stages.
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