Soudal Quick-Step to Tirreno-Adriatico

Julian Alaphilippe will lead the team’s ambitions at the 58th edition of the race.

An opening time trial, three stages for sprinters, two for the puncheurs and an uphill finish at on Sarnano-Sassotetto, Tirreno-Adriatico will have a bit of everything for everyone, basically following the recipe of the previous years. Just like last season, the San Benedetto del Tronto stage against the clock is missing, having been replaced with one for the sprinters, meaning that the 11.5km test in Camaiore – which is hosting the start for the ninth consecutive year – will be the only opportunity for the time trial specialists.

The 13km-long Sarnano-Sassotetto climb is expected to weigh heavily on the final outcome, but the Tortoreto and Osimo stages, featuring plenty of “muri” and steep double-digit gradients, could have an equal impact on the general classification of this 58th edition, which takes place between 6-12 March.

Julian Alaphilippe, whose three stage wins here make him the most successful French rider in the history of the race, Andrea Bagioli, Davide Ballerini, Dries Devenyns, European Champion Fabio Jakobsen, Casper Pedersen and Bert Van Lerberghe – who takes Michael Mørkøv’s place, sidelined due to knee problems – will make up Soudal Quick-Step’s squad for Tirreno-Adriatico.

“We have a strong team with several options, so we hope for a good week in Italy. Julian – who took a confidence-boosting victory recently – and Andrea showed some nice things in France last weekend and can both feature in the hilly stages, while Fabio has a strong lead-out and will naturally try to go for a stage win. The parcours is hard, but we are prepared to give our best”, said sports director Davide Bramati.

Photo credit: ©Wout Beel