This year's Tirreno-Adriatico has a star-studded start cast, and race organiser RCS Sport invited 14 of what it considers the 'Top Riders' for a pre-race press conference and photo shoot.
The riders occupied two rows of tables, and photographers needed a wide-angle lens to included all the riders in their compositions on the roof of the race headquarters hotel in Lido di Camaiore on the Tuscan coast. Such was the riches of talent invited that there was no room for Tom Boonen (Quick-Step) before his final Tirreno-Adriatico. Strade Bianche winner Michal Kwiatkowski of Team Sky, Rigoberto Uran of Cannondale-Drapac, Tim Wellens of Lotto Soudal and Rui Costa of UAE Team Emirates were also left off the roster.
Pre-race press conferences are cycling's equivalent of the boxer's weigh-in, except punches rarely fly. This one was more like a lesson at school, with a journalist from RCS Sport asking a single question to each of the riders. The media at the race were only allowed to ask questions afterwards in the chaos of the mixed zone that included television crews, radio stations, written press and those producing video content for social media and the internet.
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The 14 riders quietly awaited their turn to answer the question, all trying to think of something original to say without causing a stir and without giving away details of their form.
As 2016 winner, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was first to answer and admitted he would need another day of snow and another cancelled stage to win again, as was the case last year when the race's mountain top finish was canceled.
"To be honest, I think it's impossible to win it another time. I'm here to try and win a stage and build up my shape for the Classics," he said, reminding everyone that Tirreno-Adriatico is also a critical stepping-stone to the Spring Classics.
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