Tirreno-Adriatico is half-way done, and thus far, it’s delivered some memorable moments. Mathieu van der Poel taking a nail-biter on Stage 2 was one of the best finishes cycling fans have seen this year. The women’s Strade Bianche may have been the most exciting one so far, but there’s plenty of season left.
Vallières Mill scores Canada’s best-ever Strade Bianche Donne result
Right now it’s UAE’s Mexican star Isaac Del Toro that leads the race, wearing the blue leader’s jersey of the race.
The history of the Tirreno-Adriatico leader’s jersey is a pretty neat journey through the evolution of the race and some of the symbolism attached to this jersey.
The inception of Tirreno-Adriatico dates back to 1966 when it was first organized as a three-day stage race. By the ‘70s, it became an important preparation race for the Milano-Sanremo and other Classics.
An important early season race
By the ‘80s, it went from six to eight stages. Over the years, the race has grown in stature. Along with Paris-Nice, it’s a key early stage race. As the race evolved, so did the design and significance of the leader’s jersey.
Tirreno-Adriatico 1976 – Merckx (photo Bill Woodul) pic.twitter.com/qwecBTEI2M
— classicretro (@classicretro) March 9, 2021
In the early years of Tirreno-Adriatico, the leader’s jersey was red and yellow. It’s called the “Race of the Two Seas,” since it goes from the coasts of both bodies of water in Italy. (Not to be confused with Paris-Nice, the “Race to the Sun,” Or Il Lombardia, “The Race of Falling Leaves.:)
Back to blue
During the mid-‘80s, the organizers would switch to blue. The latter reflects the connection to the Tyrrhenian Sea (Tirreno in Italian), which the race goes around in its early stages. The Adriatic Sea (Adriatico) comes into play later in the race. During the ‘90s, that would change, reverting back to yellow and red. However, after 2007, the jersey went to blue, and it’s stayed that way since. Blue, because sea. Get it?
Tony Rominger (Swiss) winner of Tirreno Adriatico in 1989 & 1990. pic.twitter.com/CeA9DR8ouy
— The World of Cycling (@twocGAME) March 4, 2024
For well over a decade, there’s been even more oceanic swag for the overall winner of Tirreno-Adriatico.
The Trident
Winners also get a nifty gilded trident. It’s a reference to the weapon associated with Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. It is called the Sea Master Trophy, a stylish award that will definitely be a conversation starter for any pro cyclist’s living room.
Leading up to the winner’s ceremony, the trophy is symbolically lifted from the Tyrrhenian Sea by divers from the Italian Coast Guard, adding an extra layer of symbolism and connection to the race’s coastal roots. Italians love a bit of drama, right?
Vingegaard’s famous gaffe
Despite the rich history of the jersey, not everyone has always remembered the colour. Unlike the widely known yellow of the Tour de France or pink of the Giro d’Italia, there was a time when the leader forgot about it.
In 2022, during Stage 4 of Tirreno-Adriatico, Tadej Pogačar took the dub, attacking up the final climb just ahead of Visma Lease a Bike’s Jonas Vingegaard. Vingegaard’s second meant he climbed up the overall standings to sixth overall, 45 seconds behind.
After the stage, a reporter told Vingegaard that he was getting closer and closer to the blue leader’s jersey. The rider had just finished the race, and in the chaos of the post-race scrum, seemed to be momentarily confused, as he was stumped about what the blue jersey signified.
Jonas Vingegaard’s head was clearly in a spin after a solid second place 🥈 on today’s tough #TirrenoAdriatico stage as the @JumboVismaRoad couldn’t quite remember the colour of the leader’s jersey and @GannaFilippo‘s name! 😂 pic.twitter.com/PbwXcZN2BG
— GCN Racing (@GcnRacing) March 10, 2022
With four stages to go, Del Toro is looking good. Will he be bringing home a trident?