Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert will race Tirreno-Adriatico - These are Visma and Alpecin's '7' for the Italian race

Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert were highly awaited to be battling throughout the cyclocross winter, but bad luck struck the Belgian there. The same happened once again at Omloop het Nieuwsblad, where he had to stay home due to illness. However at Tirreno-Adriatico, the duo is finally going to be back racing in the same peloton throughout an entire week, where they may face off in some of the hilly days, whilst preparing for monument season.

The Dutch team is using many of the men who were present at Strade Bianche, maintaining them in the area for one of the spring's top stage-races. Van Aert is naturally the headliner for the team, potentially someone to chase wins in the bunch sprints, the initial stage time trial and also some of the hilly finales that have been designed by the organizers.

The team will split responsibilities between him and Matteo Jorgenson, a strong contender for the final podium or even a potential overall win - despite the likes of Isaac del Toro, Primoz Roglic and Antonio Tiberi at the start. Steven Kruijswijk will be supporting him in the more mountainous stages; whilst the team focuses heavily on its classics block. Filippo Fiorelli may also get freedom to chase some results; whilst Tim Rex, Owain Doull and Timo Kielich complete the lineup.

Alpecin-Premier Tech in the meantime is missing Kaden Groves, but intended to be at the start line with what could almost be called their 'Tour de France lineup'. In preparation for the cobbled classics, the Belgian team is pulling out all the stops in Italy, using the race as preparation for all of their leaders. Mathieu van der Poel is the great headliner in the race, making a return after last year where he placed twice on the podium, but wasn't able to capture a stage win.

This time around he is back to leadout duties for Jasper Philipsen who is going to be fighting for the sprints; having his right-hand man Edward Planckaert also present. The team is ready for the long chase throughout the flat stages, with Silvan Dillier in the lineup as well.

Tibor del Grosso is going to be present, after starting off his season at Strade Bianche; and the '7' is complete by Emiel Verstrynge and Michael Gogl who will also have their opportunities to perform in the hilly days, whilst supporting van der Poel who will stand the best chances there.