"We smashed it. We went well through the last corner, and were close to being boxed in but Nils (Eekhoff) recognised the moment and kept the door open for me and from there I was in a good wheel. It's a good boost for the confidence after we didn't do too well yesterday but today we showed what we're capable of as a team. It gives us confidence for the next sprint stages but also for other days where we've got chances with other guys in the team."
-Cees Bol (Team DSM)
"Physically it was not the most intense stage but it was very nervous in the last 100 kilometers. It was necessary to remain vigilant. We were well protected by our teammates by staying in the first group. In the end, it was quite tense and we were able to stay ahead. It's another good day where I don't waste time overall and spend between crashes. I am motivated by the clock. It will be a first test and I will try to do my best before the stage in Beaujolais which might suit me."
-Guillaume Martin. Cofidis
The 2021 Tirreno-Adriatico will occur between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas and known as "The Race of the Two Seas". The 2020 edition was Covid postponed and took place in September won by Simon Yates. Now, it's back in it's usually March start and the first major challenge for the Giro d'Italia contenders including defending champion, Simon Yates.
Other contenders...
Egan Bernal is here, too. After his impressive form with a third-place at Strade Bianche, he will be eager to take the trident. Tadej Pogacar is set to ride his first T-A and is in great form after winning the UAE Tour and finishing seventh at Strade Bianche. World Champion, Julian Alaphilippe (second in Strade Bianche) is here and should be his active self especially on the climb on the Prati di Tivo. And, Wout Van Aert is a major contender to win the overall. But, wait his nemesis, Mathieu van der Poel cannot be discounted especially after his unbelievable win at Strade Bianche. Michael Woods, Dan Martin, Grey Van Avermaet and Romain Bardet are also here to hone their Classic legs.
Peter Sagan makes his season debut after catching Covid-19 and will certainly want to make his mark before La Classicissima di primavera (March 20).
After showing good form in the Tour des Alpes Maritimes (9th), Laigueglia (19th), Nairo Quintana showed that his early season is going well with 4th place at the GP Industria & Artigianato.
"I had a good feeling and that allowed me to race ahead with the other favorites. I tried an attack in the final of the pass in order to make the selection to try to win. The most important thing is that my condition is good as the next challenges approach so that I can tackle them with great motivation."
-Nairo Quintana. 2015, 2017 Tirreno-Adriatico champion.
2021 Tirreno-Adriatico start list
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