At Tirreno Adriatico 2026, sprinters will need some patience – but Stage 3, from Cortona to Magliano de’ Marsi, finally provides their first real opportunity. With 225 km to cover, this will be a long day in the saddle, but without major elevation challenges.
Cortona last hosted the Race of the Two Seas in 1986 (won by Luciano Rabottini), while Magliano de’ Marsi makes its Tirreno debut — though fans will remember the finish there at Il Giro d’Abruzzo 2024, won by young talent Jan Christen.
Cortona is a hilltop Tuscan gem overlooking the Val di Chiana, with views stretching to Lake Trasimeno on clear days. An ancient Etruscan city, it still preserves massive “cyclopean” walls. Today, its charm lies in the constant up-and-down of narrow streets and piazzas, with its Etruscan heritage showcased in the MAEC museum.
Magliano de’ Marsi sits at the foot of Monte Velino, balancing mountain and plain. Its medieval fortified structure reflects the typical Marsican layout. The town was heavily damaged by the 1915 earthquake, leading to an almost complete reconstruction — a memory that still shapes its identity. In 2026, however, it will host the fastest riders on the planet.
