The 2026 Tirreno-Adriatico , now in its 61st edition, returns from March 9 to 15 with its traditional journey through central Italy. Seven stages and over 1,160 kilometers of racing make up a varied and challenging route, with approximately 15,500 meters of elevation gain, promising a battle between stage race specialists, classics riders, and sprinters.

The 2026 edition opens with the usual 11.5 km individual time trial in Lido di Camaiore, a completely flat course along the seafront between Camaiore and Viareggio.

The second stage, Camaiore – San Gimignano (206 km), represents one of the most evocative passages of the race: after a flowing first part, the finale offers short climbs and above all 5 kilometers of uphill dirt road before the arrival in the city of towers, with gradients that can immediately create gaps between the top riders.

The third stage, Cortona–Magliano de' Marsi, is the longest of the week, crossing Tuscany, Umbria, and Abruzzo with an undulating profile but without any decisive difficulties. The race really kicks into gear with the fourth stage, Tagliacozzo–Martinsicuro, which initially tackles the Apennine climbs of Ovindoli and the Valico delle Capannelle. The finale features a series of steep walls among the Abruzzo hills, with the extremely tough Tortoreto climb reaching a 20% gradient before the descent to the finish line.

The heart of the race lies in the Marche region. The Marotta-Mondolfo–Mombaroccio stage offers a tense day with over ten climbs and a final circuit with the ascent to the Santuario del Beato Sante, ideal for attacks by finishers and classics riders. The likely decisive stage, however, is the San Severino Marche–Camerino stage, featuring the long Sassotetto climb and a very challenging final circuit. The finale on the Muro della Madonna delle Carceri, with gradients of up to 18%, could definitively decide the overall standings. The race concludes as per tradition with the Civitanova Marche–San Benedetto del Tronto stage, a mostly flat stage that culminates in the final circuit along the seafront, a classic setting for the final sprint.

Among the leading contenders for victory is Primož Roglič , a well-rounded rider and highly competitive in week-long stage races. The route, with its initial time trial and explosive finales, seems to suit his characteristics perfectly. Isaac del Toro , one of the most promising young riders on the world stage, is also attracting considerable attention, capable of holding his own in time trials and making a difference on short, steep climbs. Among the top outsiders is Matteo Jorgenson , a very solid rider in week-long races.

Among the possible protagonists are also Antonio Tiberi, a splendid second at the UAE Tour, Giulio Pellizzari , facing another test of maturity in his home race, Giulio Ciccone, returning to racing, and Filippo Ganna, on the podium in the 2025 edition.

The spectacle will be guaranteed by the presence of Mathieu Van der Poel and Wout Van Aert , both chasing stages. And among the sprinters, who will have limited opportunities anyway, all eyes will be on Jonathan Milan, Jasper Philipsen, Paul Magnier, and Tobias Andresen .

Field your lineup in the league and pick-and-play league. Good luck!