Alaphilippe, Evenepoel and Cavendish lead Quick-Step at Tirreno-Adriatico

The Belgian team is no stranger to sending multi-leader lineups to stage-races however it has taken it to a whole other level at Tirreno-Adriatico where they will get to the start with an impressive set of riders.

The team is lining up in Lido Di Camaiore with two riders who may be targeting the GC in Julian Alaphilippe and Remco Evenepoel. Sure enough the race is far from perfect for both, as the queen stage to Carpegna will suit the likes of Tadej Pogacar much better, however they can very well raid the hilly stages beforehand to get an early lead. Whilst Alaphilippe will be focusing on the classics later on in the spring, the young Belgian will be looking to take a title of great prestige. Mikkel Honoré, another rider og great quality, will be in support of the duo on paper, despite himself being one of the top puncheurs in the competition.

As for the sprinters Mark Cavendish will be leading the team in it's flat stages. The Briton has taken a win at the recent UAE Tour and should be capable of replicating it, he will have both Kasper Asgreen and Davide Ballerini who have not been on the best form after catching Covid-19 in a team outbreak before the Tour de la Provence. Josef Cerny will also be a part of the squad as support for both leadout and GC aspirations.

Team sports director Davide Bramati said: “It’s a nice but hard parcours, which gives chances to all types of riders. For the sprints we have Mark, a multiple stage winner here, but also Julian and Remco can bring some good results next week. Despite the presence of the time trial on the opening day, the big gaps between the general classification guys should come on the Carpegna, which is a tough climb that we know from Il Giro. Coming into the race, we are confident, have a lot of motivation and we are ready to take it one day at a time and see how things go”

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl for Tirreno-Adriatico: Julian Alaphilippe, Mark Cavendish, Remco Evenepoel, Kasper Asgreen, Davide Ballerini, Mikkel Honoré and Josef Cerny.