Profiles Tirreno - Adriatico 2022

Tirreno-Adriatico kicks off on March 7th, running concurrently with Paris-Nice. Despite the overlap, both races consistently draw star-studded startlists, and this edition is no different. Tirreno often serves as the preferred classic for preparing for Milano-Sanremo, offering opportunities for sprinters and featuring hilly stages.

The race consists of seven stages and it starts next monday in Lido di Camaiore with a 13.9 kilometer time-trial. It is a change in relation to the usual final time-trial in the event, as the gaps will now be made right from day one which should stir up the race a bit more. Stages two and three should be for the sprinters, with the third day a pure sprint to be expected in Terni whilst the second stage is hilly and a test for those eyeing Milano-Sanremo specifically as they'll find some climbing, where surely late attacks can succeed aswell.

The overall classification will then be decided in a trio of consecutive stages that feature some climbing. Stage four sees a rough uphill start which may see a very strong breakaway let loose, whilst the stage finale revolves around Bellante where the riders will face a circuit with three laps on the final climb that averages out 5.6% for 4.3 kilometers. Stage five goes into Fermo, it's not the first time and it is this year's raid stage that Tirreno-Adriatico so often holds. It comes before the queen stage so it's unlikely that it will see as much impact, however the final 30 kilometers of the stage are extremely rugged and feature a set of short and very steep climbs that can dictate meaningful differences at the end.

The queen stage comes on the penultimate day as the riders will finish in Carpegna. On the route will be a double ascent of the Monte Carpegna, 6 kilometers at 10% average gradient at it's hardest, the first ascent is complete with 13.5Km at 7%, and after both ascents there is a frightening descent off the mountain in very narrow roads which should be an extra challenge for the peloton. The ascents summit with 31 and 12 kilometers to go.

The final day leads the peloton into San Benedetto del Tronto as usual, but not for a time-trial like it's tradition but instead stage that should see the sprinters have one final clash.