Favorites stage 1 Tirreno-Adriatico 2025 | Power riders favored in highly unusual opening time trial

With Paris-Nice already underway, it will be Tirreno-Adriatico’s turn on Monday, following tradition. The Italian stage race promises to be a spectacular event, with an incredible lineup, plenty of climbing, and some thrilling sprint battles. But first, the riders will face a time trial in the opening stage. The first battle for the general classification is here! IDLProCycling.com breaks down the route and analyzes the top contenders.

Route stage 1 Tirreno-Adriatico 2025

The race kicks off with a bang in the first stage. As usual, the time trial starts on Italy’s west coast, though interestingly, not on the Adriatic Sea. Instead, it begins on the Ligurian Sea, slightly further north. This time, the race starts in the coastal town of Lido Di Camaiore, about 20 kilometers from Pisa and roughly 100 kilometers from Florence. Riders will have to cover 12 kilometers—and what a 12 kilometers it is…

The course is nearly identical to last year’s opening time trial, meaning it is completely flat. The race starts on Viale Cristoforo Colombo, which essentially remains the same road throughout the entire route. It later becomes Viale Serio Bernardini and Viale Roma, but after reaching the intermediate checkpoint at 4.5 kilometers, the riders will make a 180-degree turn. From there, it’s all about powering back to the start before riding just a little further to the finish line. You won’t find a more straightforward, out-and-back course than this.

Read more below the photo!

Intermediate points
4.5 kilometers: Fiumetto
12 kilometers: Finish

Times
Start: 12:40 PM (local time) | 6:40 AM (EST)
Finish: 3:40 PM (local time) | 9:40 AM (EST)

Weather stage 1 Tirreno-Adriatico 2025

While conditions will be pleasant in France for Paris-Nice, riders in Italy won’t be as lucky. It won’t be cold, with temperatures around 15°C, and the wind won’t play much of a role. However, heavy rain is expected on Monday. Fortunately, it will only be a short effort.

Favorites stage 1 Tirreno-Adriatico 2025

This route is perfect for pure power riders—those who can churn big gears at high speeds. Naturally, the first name that comes to mind is Filippo Ganna. The Italian from INEOS Grenadiers has already won three time trials in this race, though he lacked some of his usual power in the Volta ao Algarve. Last year, however, someone was even faster than Ganna: Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) stunned everyone by winning the opening time trial on nearly the same course. Can he deliver another surprise? With two victories in three race days, he has already shown he is in top form.

There are plenty of challengers in the mix. On a day like this, it often comes down to whoever has the best legs. Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) has already proven his ability to surprise, winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with sheer power. Another strong contender is Jonathan Milan, a sprinter who can deliver a beastly performance in a flat time trial. He has also shown he is in great form. One rider who has yet to find top shape is Dylan van Baarle. But who knows what the man from Visma | Lease a Bike can show here...

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At Soudal Quick-Step, they have Mattia Cattaneo, who is capable of delivering an exceptional time trial performance on occasion. Another power rider to watch is Josef Cerny, who could surprise on a course like this—last year, he finished fifth. He thrives on short, flat efforts, just like Maikel Zijlaard (Tudor Pro Cycling). The Dutchman is known as a prologue specialist, though this course might be slightly too long for him.

Among the general classification riders, guys like Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) and Derek Gee (Israel - Premier Tech) have a chance to make an early impact. Both have already shown strong time trial performances this season, with the Canadian even winning the time trial in O Gran Camiño—though that course was far more demanding. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) has also taken a time trial win, but this will be a completely different challenge.

At Alpecin-Deceuninck, all eyes will obviously be on Mathieu van der Poel. His dominant victory in Le Samyn proved he is ready for the spring classics, and when he's in top shape, he can also deliver an impressive time trial. However, a more specialized option might be Johan Price-Pejtersen. The Danish time trial champion hopes to break into the world’s elite in this discipline with his new team, and Tirreno-Adriatico presents a perfect opportunity to start that journey.

Favorites stage 1 Tirreno-Adriatico 2025, according to IDLProCycling.com

Top favorite:Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers)
Outsiders: Søren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility), Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious), Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)
Long Shots: Josef Cerny, Mattia Cattaneo (both Soudal Quick-Step), Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech), Dylan van Baarle, (Visma | Lease a Bike), Maikel Zijlaard (Tudor Pro Cycling), Mathieu van der Poel and Johan Price-Pejtersen (both Alpecin-Deceuninck)

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