As the cycling season kicks into high gear, Mikel Landa is set to make his debut in a stage race this year, leading the Soudal Quick Step team alongside French rider Paul Magnier at the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico. Scheduled to take place between March 10th and 16th, this World Tour event is one that Landa knows well, having landed on the podium twice in the past. Before heading into the “Race of the Two Seas,” Landa will get his season underway at the Strade Bianche on Saturday, a warm-up event that will undoubtedly get him ready for the challenges ahead.
The Soudal Quick Step team boasts a strong lineup for the Tirreno-Adriatico, with Landa and Magnier being joined by Mattia Cattaneo, Josef Cerny, Valentin Paret-Peintre, Casper Pedersen, and Pepijn Reinderink. Notably, Paul Magnier is coming off a strong performance, having finished second in the Tour of Oman, which should instill confidence in the team’s ability to make a significant impact in the upcoming race. The team’s strategy will undoubtedly revolve around Landa and Paret-Peintre for the more demanding stages, while also keeping a close eye on the general classification, where consistency and adaptability will be key.
The Tirreno-Adriatico promises to be an exciting event, with its unique blend of sprint stages and grueling mountain climbs. The race begins with a brief individual time trial in Lido di Camaiore, followed by a stage in Follonica that is expected to favor the sprinters. However, the real battle for the coveted blue jersey and the Neptune’s trident will likely unfold in the more treacherous terrain of Pergola and the steep inclines of Frontignano, which feature in the penultimate stage. The varying landscapes and challenges of the race will demand a versatile team effort, making every stage count in the pursuit of victory.
Team Strategy and Ambitions
According to Davide Bramati, the sports director of Soudal Quick-Step, the team is eager to build on its past successes in the Tirreno-Adriatico. “We’ve had a lot of success in this race over the last twenty years, and we’d love to be back in the mix for stage wins. Mikel Landa and Valentin Paret will be our go-to riders for the tougher stages. As for the general classification, we’ll take it one day at a time, see how things unfold, and assess our position after each stage,” Bramati explained. This approach underlines the team’s intent to remain flexible and react to the race’s developments, ensuring they’re always in a position to capitalize on any opportunities that arise. With a strong team and a well-thought-out strategy, Soudal Quick Step is certainly one to watch in the Tirreno-Adriatico.