ORICA-GreenEDGE remain in Italy this week for the stage race Tirreno-Adriaticowhich begins on Wednesday 9th of March.

 

‘The race of the two seas’ was won in 2015 by Nairo Quintana (Movistar). Adam Yates was the teams best placed finisher claiming ninth overall on the final general classification after a string of consistent performances.

 

With a young team in place for this years race sports director Matthew Whiteemphasized the importance of gaining experience in this type of race especially with the leaders of the team being so young.

 

“It is a young team we have here this year but the boys know exactly what we are trying to achieve and realize the races importance in preparation for the teams Spring goals.

 

“We will be looking to achieve a solid result overall in the race, hopefully getting Adam (Yates) inside the top ten in the general classification.”

 

Tour Down Under stage winner Caleb Ewan will be making his first appearance in the race and going up against some strong competition for the sprints.

 

“It will be good for Caleb to get in there against some of the big boys from European racing, there are multiple stages over 200 kilometres in the race, we have seen how quick Caleb is over shorter stages so it will be interesting to see how he goes especially on those longer days.

 

“It’s a very solid route as usual and all in all we want to see how things stand after the opening team trial on Wednesday, approach the race one stage at a time and just focus on our goals and plans."

 

This year’s race is bookended by time trials. Starting with a 22.5 kilometre team time trial in Lido Di Camaiore on the coast of Tuscany and finishing with an individual time trial over 10 kilometres in San Benedetto del Tronto on the East coast.

 

Multiple Canadian road race champion Svein Tuft returns to the race for the fourth time for the team and his experience will be invaluable.

 

Completing the line up for ORICA-GreenEDGE is Danish national time trial champion Chris Juul Jensen, former Australian road race champion Luke Durbridge, Tour of Abu Dhabi winner Esteban Chaves and Belgian Jens Keukeleire. Slovenian Giro d'Italia stage winner Luka Mezgec brings his lead out experience and speed into the team which is nicely balanced. 

 

The race covers a total of 1020 kilometres over seven stages from the Tyrrhenian Sea on the West coast across to the Adriatic on the East. Now in its 51st year the race has become a staple early season test for teams with Grand Tour ambitions.

 

ORICA-GreenEDGE at Tirreno-Adriatico (9-15 march):

Esteban Chaves (COL, 26)

Luke Durbridge (AUS, WA, 24)

Caleb Ewan (AUS, NSW, 21)

Chris Juul Jensen (DEN, 26)

Jens Keukeleire (BEL, 27)

Luka Mezgec (SLO, 27)

Svein Tuft (CAN, 38)

Adam Yates (GBR, 23)