Tirreno-Adriatico 2026: The most important facts in brief
- Date: 9-15 March, 7 stages
- Distance~ 1,165 kilometres
- Stages: 1 individual time trial, 2 flat stages, 4 hilly stages
- StartLido di Camaiore, GoalSan Benedetto del Tronto
- UCI category: WorldTour
- Premiere: 1966, 61st edition
In 2026, Tirreno-Adriatico will once again feature some of cycling's biggest stars: Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), Primož Roglič (Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe), Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM Team), Matteo Jorgenson (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), among others, Jai Hindley (Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe), Jonathan Milan (Lidl - Trek), Tobias Lund Andresen (Decathlon CMA CGM Team), Richard Carapaz (EF Education - EasyPost), Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) and Arnaud de Lie (Lotto - Intermarché) in the line-ups of their teams. However, as the start list has not yet been finalised, more big names may be added. While riders like van Aert, Milan, Lund Andresen, Ganna and de Lie will be chasing stages, the other athletes mentioned will have their first test of strength in the overall classification.
Tirreno-Adriatico 2026 - the route: all stages at a glance
The start and finish of the race have remained unchanged since 2015: The race starts in Lido di Camaiore on the Tyrrhenian Sea, before ending with the final finish in San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic.
A total of around 1,165 kilometres and 15,550 metres of climbing are on the programme over seven stages. After the opening time trial, there will be a variety of stages that offer the chance of a bunch sprint and hilly and mountainous sections where the overall classification is likely to be decided. A long climb in the finale is missing from the stage profiles this time.
Stage 1 | Monday, 9th March | Lido di Camaiore - Lido di Camaiore | 11.5 kilometres (individual time trial)
Since 2022, Tirreno-Adriatico has started with an individual time trial on the beach at Camaiore. As in 2025, the 11.5 kilometres are completely flat. Last year, Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) won with a show of strength ahead of Juan Ayuso (Lidl - Trek) and took revenge for the 2024 time trial, in which he was beaten by the Spaniard by one second. With a lead of over 22 seconds and a speed of 56 km/h, Ganna rocketed to stage victory. Can the Italian repeat this performance?
Stage 2 | Tuesday, 10 March | Camaiore - San Gimignano | 206 kilometres
The second section leads the riders over flat roads for a long time until the peloton encounters more challenging terrain inland. In between, a climb with double-digit percentages awaits until there is a special highlight just seven kilometres before the finish. The 5.3 kilometre gravel sector leads almost to the finish line and includes many steep sections. The final ramp is once again a real challenge, with a gradient of up to 15 per cent up to the finish.
Stage 3 | Wednesday, 11 March | Cortona - Magliano de' Marsi | 225 kilometres
Stage 3 from Cortona to Magliano de' Marsi stretches over 225 kilometres, making it the longest stage of the race. It is characterised by gentle climbs and descents, including areas such as Todi and the Marmore waterfalls. The finale climbs slightly over the last 15 kilometres, with an average gradient of around three per cent. Without any major challenges, the sprinters should be able to rest up for the day and, despite the slight incline at the end, decide the stage win among themselves.
Stage 4 | Thursday, 12 March | Tagliacozzo - Martinsicuro | 210 kilometres
The fourth stage from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro begins with two classic Apennine climbs, Ovindoli and the Valico delle Capannelle, followed by a long descent towards Teramo. The final section features a series of steep climbs and short ramps, including the Tortoreto climb, which reaches 20 per cent in its final section. An elite group could form here, whose members will decide the day's victory among themselves.
Stage 5 | Friday, 13 March | Marotta-Mondolfo - Mombaroccio | 186 kilometres
Stage 5 from Marotta-Mondolfo to Mombaroccio is peppered with numerous climbs of varying difficulty. The Monte delle Cesane is particularly challenging, with gradients of around 15 per cent in the first few kilometres. The finale consists of a 21.6 kilometre circuit that has to be completed twice and includes the demanding climb to the Santuario del Beato Sante. As on the fourth day, classic qualities are required here.
Stage 6 | Saturday, 14 March | San Severino Marche - Camerino | 189 kilometres
From San Severino Marche to Camerino, the 6th section is also very demanding and mountainous, with numerous climbs, including the Sassotetto (Valico di Santa Maria Maddalena), which must be conquered before the halfway point. The 29.1 kilometre circuit at the end is completed twice and ends with the Muro della Madonna delle Carceri, which has gradients of up to 18 per cent. This is where the riders in the overall classification can show what they can bring to the 2026 season. Presumably the day on which the overall standings will be decided.
Stage 7 | Sunday, 15 March | Civitanova Marche - San Benedetto del Tronto | 143 kilometres
The traditional final stage leads from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto and, at 143 kilometres, is the shortest of the race. After a slightly undulating opening section, the last 80 kilometres are completely flat. In San Benedetto del Tronto, which serves as the finish for the 60th time in 61 editions, a final circuit of just under 15 kilometres is completed five times. Clearly a day for the sprinters.
Leon Weidner
Working student
