For Uijtdebroeks, Tirreno - Adriatico will be an important test. The young Belgian has completed a long build-up period and feels ready. “I’m doing well. Over the winter, I focused a lot on my back, and the issues I had are now resolved”, he says.

After a solid Tour of Oman and an intensive training period, Uijtdebroeks is confident heading into Tirreno - Adriatico. “At this stage of the season, I’ve already raced quite a lot. So far, that approach feels good. Racing helps you learn positioning and how to lead a team much faster. We’ve put a lot of emphasis on those aspects recently.”

Just like last year—when Jonas Vingegaard took the overall victory and Uijtdebroeks himself finished seventh—the team is once again aiming for a strong GC result. “We want to win a stage with Olav. Simon and I both have protected roles and can go for the GC. That aligns perfectly with my personal goal: I want to finish as high as possible and see how far I can go. Hopefully, I can build on my performance from the Tour of Oman.”

With Yates, Uijtdebroeks has an experienced leader alongside him. “Simon is a great guy, and we get along really well. I think we have different personalities—he’s very relaxed in his approach to racing. But I think we can form a strong duo and push each other to improve.”

For Yates, Tirreno - Adriatico is an important benchmark in his first months with the team. “We’re starting with a strong squad in Italy this week, and I’m excited to make my debut for the team”, says the Brit.

Having made the switch to Team Visma | Lease a Bike over the winter, Yates already feels at home in his new surroundings. “The first months with the team have been great. A lot of things are different, which is natural after spending so many years with another team. But that’s exactly what I wanted—a new environment where I can continue to develop. I can’t wait to finally start racing.”

Yates has fond memories of Tirreno - Adriatico, having won the overall title in 2020. This year, his focus is on preparing for the Giro d’Italia, where he aims for a strong GC result and, if circumstances allow, stage wins alongside Wout van Aert and Kooij. “Tirreno is a great first race to see where we stand. Of course, the real peak has to come in May, but I definitely want to show myself here.”

Alongside the GC ambitions, Team Visma | Lease a Bike is also eyeing stage success. The team hopes to set up sprinter Kooij in the sprint stages, with the Dutchman targeting at least one stage win. With a prologue, several hilly stages, and a tough mountain stage on the penultimate day, this year’s edition promises to be varied.

For both Uijtdebroeks and Yates, Tirreno - Adriatico will be a key test. The Belgian climber aims to match or improve on his seventh place from last year, while Yates uses the race to fine-tune his form ahead of the Giro. “Hopefully, all the training will pay off”, Uijtdebroeks concludes.