Shoulder to shoulder, almost like sprinters, rather than climbers or classics men. Mathieu Van der Poel, Isaac Del Toro, Giulio Pellizzari: who would have thought they would ever reach a photo finish? The Metalliferous Hills, the rain and a dirt finish were enough for everything to explode.
But above all, in fact, Today the real thing began Tirreno-Adriatico. That of the general classification and in this classification It is legitimate to think of the head-to-head of the young friends and rivals: Isaac Del Toro and Giulio Pellizzari. Not that the inaugural time trial didn't count, but the way the stage went immediately reshuffled the values.
Who goes up and who goes down
Under the 14 towers of San Gimignano it gives way Filippo GanaJust yesterday the "National Pippo" he had said that he would try to do the general classification, to defend the lead... but without worrying too much, as his primary objective was, and still is, the Milan-Sanremo. Perhaps, between the rain and the dirt roads, he didn't want to take any more risks.
But it all happened in the finale, on the dirt road of Piano Cappellina, with about 6 kilometers to go. The first of the three to move was Mathieu Van der Poel, who had been following Julian Alaphilippe. Evidently, between cross-country and dirt roads, He must have felt at home, like when he won in Siena in 2021.
But allow us a brief digression. Which partly also takes up yesterday's editorial. Okay, the great champions in the great races… but Van der Poel really couldn't come to the Strade Bianche on Saturday? To hell with the probable non-victory against Tadej Pogacar on a course with so much elevation gain: but what flames would there have been even with him in the race? What would it have been like for all those people on the roadside to see such a champion pass by? But perhaps our reasoning is that of old bartenders, of simple enthusiasts (or simple enthusiasts). A reasoning not based on the numbers of the tuners and on those of economic convenience.
Net of this reflection, Honor to Van der Poel. Sincere honor. Because he showed grit and the will to win. And even when Pellizzari seemed to have escaped him at 150 meters, he persisted and believed.
"It was tough to beat these young riders," VdP said. "The level was extremely high, both in the approach to the finish and on the wet dirt. I knew the corners were very technical (he himself escaped thanks to his class, ed.) and I wanted to cause problems for the pursuers. It was a complex sprint: the road was quite slippery, so it was very complicated to start from a standstill., but I had just saved enough energy to win. I came here to prepare for Milan-San Remo and the other important events, but at the same time I wanted to win a stage. Last year I came close several times, this time I did it, and it's nice to win this race again after five years."
Del Toro leader
But let's get to two close friends, the pair who set the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir alight, who often train together on the roads of San Marino and who continue to give it their all. San Gimignano has launched the chase towards the Golden Trident.
Pellizzari is particularly keen on this Tirreno-Adriatico. The Race of the Two Seas could be decided at home yours. Yesterday in Camaiore he had already done a super time trial. He, who compared to his direct rivals, started further behind in this specialty. Instead, the Mexican from UAE Emirates he had only given him 1" and just 4" Antonio TiberiBy the way, today the rider of the Bahrain Victorious He arrived with the best group. Of the other best. Because the feeling is that the challenge is already there in front of you and between those twoVan der Poel had the freshness of someone who hadn't had to fill his legs with lactic acid in yesterday's time trial.
«I am the leader at Tirreno and I am happy about it – he said Del Toro, who objectively was the one who pushed harder than anyone else, thinking precisely about the general – the dirt section was really complicated. I saw Matteo Jorgenson fall and almost followed him. Then I stayed in front and fought there until the end with my friend Pellizzari. We have a good relationship, he and I. It was incredible how he closed on me with Van der Poel… It means that Giulio is in great shapeBut it's still too early to think about the general classification."
The message from Pellizzari was therefore clear. Del Toro and its UAE Emirates they know who the first opponent is. Then nothing is precluded even for Magnus Sheffield, third, for Tiberi who is not too far away or for Primois RoglicThe two of the Red Bull-Bora they could play as a side…
Pellizzari be careful
Tomorrow we start again from Cortona with a ranking that is already upended. Del Toro will start as leader with a 3" lead over Pellizzari. The arrival of Magliano de' Marsi seems to be for sprinters, but be careful, because the ending is exciting and we saw what he did Del Toro atUAE Tour in the first stage. The last 700 meters are at 2,5 percent. Almost a copy and paste of that Emirati finish..
Another aspect to consider is distance. Tomorrow it's a good 221 kilometers and if the race were to take a certain turn, given that the central part lends itself to attacks, the men at the back could emerge. Van der Poel himself could rehearse for Sanremo.
The issue is very intriguing and very interesting. The scenarios are different. The one who will have to keep his antennas perked up is Giulio Pellizzari, especially after that "Giulio is in great shape" by Del ToroIt seemed truly sibylline to us. The Red Bull-BORA boy, who is definitely more of a climber, will have to think above all about not taking them. To be careful of the discounts that the Mexican could earn.
But aside from these speculations, which the coaches will study in detail this evening, the good news is that Giulio Pellizzari can compete in this Tirreno. The challenge has just begun. And Camerino, which he awaits you with open arms, it is already approaching beyond the Apennines.
