Monte Terminillo peaks at 2,216 metres, but the Tirreno doesn’t go that high. Stage 5 finishes at 1,675 altimetres, which in fact is a high enough location given the time of year. Last editions amply demonstrated Italian weather can be really horrible during the Tirreno, especially at that altitude. With 16.1 kilometres of climbing at 7.3%, the Terminillo is one of the toughest ascents in the Central Apennines. Earlier that day riders are to crest the Passo Sallegri, Le Arette and Forca di Arrone.
Stage 4 is a race to look forward to also, with four passes and a thrilling downhill finish.
The Tirreno spans seven days. It starts with a prologue and closes with a short individual time trial, and in between the race offers a mix of sprint stages and tough climbing. Just like we are used to in the Italian jubilee.
The 3rd stage is virtually a copy of last year. Lots of flat kilometres and then all of a sudden a nasty last kilometre, opening with 11.1% section and a 5.4% grade in the final few hundred metres. Peter Sagan took that stage last year, besting Michal Kwiatkowski.
Editions 2012 and 2013 were won by Vincenzo Nibali and in 2014 it was Alberto Contador’s time to shine after a brilliant week. Both riders will be at the start in Camaiore, just like Nairo Quintana. So that’s the first clash of three major contenders in next July’s Tour de France.
Tirreno Adriatico 2015: Images and more
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