The 59th edition of the Tirreno-Adriatico, also known as the “Race of the Two Seas,” kicks off on March 4th, 2024, in Italy. This prestigious UCI World Tour event will see some of the world’s best cyclists battle it out across seven stages, culminating on March 10th. Read more to know Tirreno-Adriatico 2024 Start Time and more information in detail.
Stage 1: A Flat Time Trial Sets the Stage for the GC Battle
The opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico 2024 is a 10.1km individual time trial (ITT) held entirely along the Camaiore and Viareggio seafront. This flat and fast course will see riders setting blistering times, with the potential for early surprises and an indication of the General Classification (GC) contenders.
Tirreno-Adriatico 2024 Start Time: A Look at Key Riders’ Departure Slots
The Tirreno-Adriatico 2024 start time for the opening stage will be staggered throughout the day, with riders setting off at two-minute intervals. Here’s a look at some key riders and their anticipated departure slots:
- 12:35 CET: Alex Tolio (VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè) – The first rider to tackle the course.
- 12:37 CET: Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo-Visma) – A top GC contender and potential stage winner.
- 13:18 CET: Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) – Another strong GC contender.
- 13:36 CET: Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) – A rising star looking to make his mark.
- 14:07 CET: Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) – A potential stage winner and threat to the peloton.
- 15:24 CET: Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) – The reigning time trial world champion, but not necessarily the favorite on this flat course.
Also, these are just a few of the many riders to watch in the opening stage. The full start list and order can be found on the official Tirreno-Adriatico website.
Beyond the Time Trial: A Look at the Remaining Stages
While the opening time trial sets the tone for the overall classification, the remaining stages of Tirreno-Adriatico 2024 offer a diverse challenge for the peloton.
- Stage 2: A hilly stage with a challenging climb to Montedinove could see early breakaways and attacks from GC contenders.
- Stage 3: A potentially chaotic day with punchy climbs and technical descents, perfect for breakaway specialists.
- Stage 4: A flat stage suited to the sprinters, offering a chance for teams to regroup and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
- Stage 5: Another hilly stage with potential for late attacks and breakaways.
- Stage 6: The queen stage, featuring the demanding climb of Prati di Tivo, will likely decide the overall winner.
- Stage 7: A flat stage again favors the sprinters, offering a battle for stage glory and a chance to celebrate the overall champion.
Contenders and Favorites: Who Will Claim the “Race of the Two Seas”?
The 2024 edition of Tirreno-Adriatico boasts a star-studded field, making it difficult to predict a clear favorite. Here are some of the riders expected to contend for the overall victory:
- Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo-Visma): The reigning Tour de France champion is considered the top favorite due to his strong time-trialing and climbing abilities.
- Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates): The two-time Tour de France winner is always a threat and could challenge Vingegaard for the top spot.
- Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers): The Olympic champion is a proven climber and could surprise on this challenging course.
- Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step): The young Belgian star is coming off a strong season and could be a dark horse in the GC battle.
Lastly, with a diverse course and a talented field, the 2024 Tirreno-Adriatico promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race. The opening time trial will set the stage for the battle to come, and the remaining stages will test the riders’ physical and tactical skills to the limit. Cycling fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see who emerges victorious in the “Race of the Two Seas.”
