Tirreno-Adriatico - Stage 4 | Tagliacozzo - Martinsicuro

Stage 4 of Tirreno-Adriatico presents a classic test for the strongmen, a demanding 213 km on a hilly parcours. This stage often culminates in a war of attrition, leading either to a reduced group sprint from powerful all-rounders or a decisive late attack. The key storyline will be whether the explosive puncheurs can distance their rivals on the climbs, or if a more robust GC contender can seize control.

Our model's top favourite, ROGLIČ Primož, is ideally suited for this demanding profile with his climbing prowess and explosive finish. While recent comments suggest he's prioritising overall condition over individual stage results, his inherent class makes him a constant threat. He'll face fierce competition from Van Der Poel Mathieu and Wout Van Aert, both masters of hilly Classics. They possess the power to win from a reduced group or launch a decisive solo move, with Van Aert also benefiting from the strong presence of teammate JORGENSON Matteo to provide tactical flexibility.

A potent outsider to watch is GANNA Filippo. Although typically a time trial specialist, his immense power and ability to sustain high efforts could see him surprise on this terrain if the climbs aren't overly steep and he can survive to the finish. The long distance will also favour those with exceptional endurance. Currently, there are no significant absences or adverse conditions reported that are expected to dramatically alter the outcome, setting the stage for a compelling contest among the strongest.