In its 55th edition, the race between the seas was extended to eight days this year. Today’s stage commenced on the Tyrrhenian coast with a 133 km-long stage around Lido di Camaiore. After a hilly start, the second half of the race continued on a flat course before the day was concluded in a sprint finale. A group of six riders got away quickly after the start gun, yet after 50 km of racing, only two riders remained up front while the field held the leading riders on a tight leash, and as such, their advantage never extended beyond two minutes. With 18 km still to race, the leading duo was unable to hold off the chasing peloton, and the two escapees were ultimately caught. At this point, BORA – hansgrohe, who had high hopes on this course that was suited to the fast men, prepared for the finale to bring Pascal Ackermann into a good position. In a hectic finish, the German sprinter timed his run to the finish perfectly and was able to pull past F. Gaviria, who initially looked like the sure winner, to take the win on the opening stage. With this victory, his fifth of the season, Pascal will also don the leader’s Jersey on tomorrow’s stage.
Result
01 P. Ackermann 2:57:55
02 F. Gaviria +0:00
03 M. Cort +0:00
04 S. Sajnok +0:00
From the Finish Line
“It was an incredible race today, as we didn’t know what it would really be like. In the lead-up to this, I only had one day on the bike, because I was ill before, and so didn’t know what my form would be like. But the team did a great job and they trusted me. It was a hard and long sprint, because I came from further back. But I had good speed in the end and I was able to find a gap at the right time and make it across the line first. I am very happy and really want to thank my teammates. I think my form is good and we executed our plan perfectly today. Now the pressure is gone and we can see what’s possible on the next few stages, and hopefully we can take yet another win on a sprint stage. But we also have strong GC riders here, with Konrad and Majka, and so we’re also hoping to perform well there too.”- Pascal Ackermann
“This victory came at exactly the right time and is very important for us. For Pascal, it is a huge success to win the first stage of a race like Tirreno – Adriatico and to also take the leader’s jersey. This victory is one of his biggest successes so far and will certainly give him a lot of self-confidence in a season that has been shortened, and where there are fewer chances for riders to take wins like this. The guys did a very good job to prepare him for the sprint and we can be exceedingly happy with this performance.” – Jens Zemke, Sports Director
