Opening time trial kicks off Tirreno-Adriatico
# Ganna Triumphs in Time Trial at 2026 Tirreno-Adriatico
The 2026 edition of Tirreno-Adriatico kicked off this Monday with its traditional individual time trial along the picturesque seafront in Lido di Camaiore. The 11.5-kilometre route, mirroring last year’s layout, saw Filippo Ganna securing his expected victory, finishing with a time of 12’08. Clément Braz Afonso, the standout rider from Équipe cycliste Groupama-FDJ United, finished strongly yet fell 1’09 seconds behind Ganna, clocking in at 13’17.
The initial day of the race unfolded smoothly without any unexpected challenges for competitors. The time trial was characterized as “not a technically difficult course” by Luca Festa, coach of Équipe cycliste Groupama-FDJ United, who noted, “There was just a little bit of wind, headwind up to the first intermediate point (km 4.5), then a tailwind on the way back. It was very straight, so full gas, and with no particular danger.”
Starting at 1 p.m., the riders took to the ramp in sequential intervals. Rémy Rochas led the charge, followed by teammates Lorenzo Germani, Brieuc Rolland, Kevin Geniets, Valentin Madouas, Josh Kench, and finally Braz Afonso.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Festa expressed confidence, stating, “The goal today was for everyone to try to do the best possible time trial, but also to produce an effort that would prepare us for the coming days.” He praised the team’s commitment, noting, “The guys were really committed from the warm-up, and we did everything in a very thorough way, as we always do.”
As the “Race of the Two Seas” continues, the next stage promises excitement, heading toward San Gimignano. “It will be a tricky final, with a gravel section and an uphill finish in a village,” Festa concluded. “It could be an interesting stage, and probably already a crucial one for the general classification.”
