Course:

The curtain raiser for this year’s Tirreno Adriatico is a team time trial over a 22.7km course around the Lido di Camaiore area, taking in the sights of the Tyrrhenian coast to discover the first yellow jersey of 2016’s edition. Overall, the route is simple enough, essentially taking the form of a drag race from start to finish; those with a blend of sprinters and strongman engines should benefit most here in pursuit victory.

Contenders:

With the ability to climb irrelevant on this opening stage, the focus will be upon the ability to sustain a potent top speed from the start ramp to the finishing line; whoever wins will demand every rider to bury themselves on this speed focused course. Etixx – Quick Step will no doubt have an eye upon winning this given their personnel for the day including Tony Martin and Bob Jungels, two TT specialists who will find themselves supported by the power of Zdenek Stybar and Yves Lampaert among others. BMC will look to cash in on their reputation as one of the finest team time trialists, but with Rohan Dennis being absent from today’s contest, Tejay Van Garderen and a still recuperating Taylor Phinney will shoulder the brunt of the work on Stage 1. Trek-Segafredo bolster the likes of Fabian Cancellara within their team, alongside one of the most consistent lineups of riders here with Jasper Stuyven, Stijn Devloder and Bauke Mollema all capable of putting in a solid performance on this type of terrain. Other noteworthy mentions go to the impressive Dimension Data squad which includes Stephen Cummings, Edvald Boasson Hagen and Mark Cavendish; a mixture which is likely to cause a stir near the top of the table. One of the most interesting teams to watch during this endeavour should be Tinkoff, calling upon the strength and speed of Peter Sagan, Adam Blythe, Maciej Bodnar and Manuele Boaro to challenge for a podium spot.

Outcome:

1st Trek-Segafredo 2nd Etixx – Quick Step 3rd BMC