Ganna tempers Tirreno expectations with adjusted Classics approach

Last year the powerful rider from Ineos Grenadiers used the opening time trial in Lido di Camaiore to place himself immediately at the top of the general classification at Tirreno–Adriatico. His performance laid the foundation for an impressive week in which he held the leader’s jersey deep into the race. Only on the penultimate stage did he lose the overall lead to Juan Ayuso, who eventually secured the victory.

A week later he made a huge impression in Milan–San Remo by being the only rider able to stay close to Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. On the Cipressa he climbed at his own pace while keeping the two stars within sight before returning to them on the descent. The same scenario unfolded on the Poggio, after which he sprinted to second place behind Van der Poel on the Via Roma.

For this year the 29-year-old Italian is lowering expectations. "I think my condition is a little bit less than a year ago," he said during the pre-race press conference, according to Sporza.

The comment reflects a slightly different preparation compared to last season. In 2025 the Italian entered Tirreno-Adriatico in particularly strong shape, but that came at the expense of his performances in the classics that followed.

"Last year I was strong in Tirreno, but maybe a bit less in the Classics," Ganna explained. "Now I try to start those races with fresher legs."

That approach influences how he views the week ahead. Rather than focusing solely on results, the Italian sees the race as an important step toward the upcoming classics. "I focus first on the time trial [Stage 1]. After that I still have a week to make myself properly tired without blowing my engine."

The two-time world champion in the time trial and the current hour record holder acknowledges that riding a race like Tirreno–Adriatico can go in different directions.

"You search here for extra percentages," he said. "Sometimes you find them, but sometimes you lose them as well."

He still remembers one particularly difficult edition. "I remember a very cold edition three years ago when almost everyone became sick. A week later I started Milan–San Remo completely fucked. Hopefully this time we get the good version of Tirreno."

This year he may get his wish, as the forecast for the week points to mostly sunny spring weather with temperatures around 15 degrees. Tirreno–Adriatico runs from March 9-15 and opens with an 11.5km individual time trial along the seafront in Lido di Camaiore, a course that traditionally suits Ganna.