"I really like the sterrato and also Strade" - Mathieu van der Poel explains absence from Italian classic; but can avenge it today at Tirreno-Adriatico

Stage 2 of Tirreno–Adriatico 2026 serves up a finish that could light up the peloton. With a stretch of sterrato in the final kilometres, the profile looks ideal for explosive riders with sharp handling on mixed terrain, and one name immediately among the favourites is Mathieu van der Poel.

The Dutchman from Alpecin-Premier Tech was upbeat before the start and admitted the stage finale suits him. “I like the entry into the dirt section,” he told Cycling Pro Net ahead of stage 2, noting the layout of the last kilometres could produce an intriguing outcome. “I think it will be a nice finish.”

Sterrato sectors often ratchet up tension in the bunch, especially when they appear near the line. Positioning, technique, and the ability to accelerate over uneven surfaces become decisive, and those scenarios tend to favour riders with off-road pedigree.

Within the sector there will be a climb of around 1 kilometer at 7%; which a similar ascent coincides with the finish line, only on tarmac this time around. In Van der Poel’s case, his skill on mixed terrain is beyond doubt, both on the road and in disciplines such as cyclocross and mountain bike.

He is one of the favourites to go for the stage win and even potentially jump onto the race lead, under the right circumstances. The mix of classics specialists and GC riders at the finish could make it a very interesting finale, but also a risky one.

Van der Poel was absent from Strade Bianche yet again, something which did not come as a surprise this spring. But this morning, the question was asked to him on why he was not present on Saturday's race.

“No, I really like the sterrato and also Strade. I make my calendar before the year starts and we stick to it,” he explained in somple terms. That approach is part of a strategy Van der Poel has followed for several seasons: carefully mapping out his programme and targeting the races that best fit his characteristics. Strade Bianche currently fits the climbers substantially better, and he already has it in his palmarès.

Asked about his goals for the rest of the year, the Dutchman hinted there will be no major changes from his usual plan. “I think they’re a bit the same as last year,” he said. With Strade Bianche coming weeks to a month before his main goals, it would not be very viable for his peak form to be extended so long.

The idea, he explained, is to focus on events where he can perform at his peak. “I’ll try to focus on the races that suit me best,” he noted, before adding cautiously: “We’ll see how it goes.”