CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious are all set for the chase for the ‘King of the Two Seas’ title, which begins today as the 61st edition of Tirreno-Adriatico gets underway with the traditional start in Lido di Camaiore in Tuscany and the finish on the Adriatic coast in San Benedetto del Tronto after seven coast-to-coast stages.
Apart from the familiar start and finish locations, this year’s route is somewhat different from previous editions. The race does not include a summit finish but instead features several stages suited to puncheurs and surprise attacks. As a result, the general classification (GC) is expected to remain open throughout the week, forcing GC contenders to stay alert from the first stage to the last.
Among those riders will be Bahrain Victorious leader Antonio Tiberi, who finished third overall in 2025 and returns aiming for another podium, ideally improving on last year’s result.
“My goal is definitely to achieve the best possible result in the general classification,” said Tiberi. “Tirreno-Adriatico is a race I feel deeply connected to and one of my favourites during the season.
“Looking at the course, I’m a little disappointed because I would have preferred a long and demanding climb that suits me better for the overall fight, like in previous editions. But even if the route is not perfect for my characteristics, I’m happy to be here and I’ll give my best.
“I expect the race to be decided by seconds. It was already like that last year. Even with a big climb we were fighting for bonus seconds whenever possible to secure a place on the final podium. This year, without a summit finish, seconds and team tactics will be even more important.
“Among the contenders, I’d say to keep an eye on Del Toro. When I heard he was racing, he immediately became a key rival for me, also considering what happened at the UAE Tour.”
The race begins with the traditional 11.5km flat individual time trial in Lido di Camaiore, which will award the first Blue Jersey to a specialist of the discipline.
The following day, the first real action is expected in stage two from Camaiore to San Gimignano, covering 206km. While the elevation profile is not extremely demanding, the finale features a 5.3km gravel sector that could shake up the race.
Sprinters will have their first real opportunity in stage three from Cortona to Magliano de’Marsi across 221km, a long stage without major climbing obstacles. Stage four from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro covering 213km could also end in a sprint, although the rolling terrain may challenge the pure fast men.
The final three stages take place entirely in the Marche region, known for its short and steep “walls” that often prove decisive. Stage five from Marotta to Mombaroccio, covering 184km, features a constantly rolling profile that could lead to an explosive race.
Stage six from San Severino Marche to Camerino, covering 188km, is likely to be one of the most decisive days, with around 3,900m of elevation gain and a final climb of nearly 3 km at an average of 8.8 per cent, featuring several double-digit gradients and tackled three times.
The race concludes on Sunday next week with a 142-km stage from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto, traditionally ending in a bunch sprint along the Adriatic coast.
Bahrain Victorious sports director Franco Pellizotti outlined the team’s strategy for the week: “We will race this Tirreno with Antonio (Tiberi) as our leader and Santiago {Buitrago} as co-leader. However, Santiago will focus more on stage opportunities, similar to Pello (Bilbao), aiming primarily for stage results rather than the general classification.
“The other riders – Ermakov, Miholjevic, Valter and Zambanini – will play key support roles. Zambanini could also have personal opportunities on certain stages, whether in a breakaway or possibly in a sprint finish.
“We have a very strong roster and we expect strong performances from the whole team.”
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