GOOD MORNING FROM STAGE 5 OF THE TIRRENO-ADRIATICO
The fifth stage runs from Norcia to Sarnano-Sassotetto, on a challenging route with several ascents and a summit finish atop Sassotetto

Norcia, 11 September 2020 - Good morning from Stage 5 of the Tirreno-Adriatico EOLO, organized by RCS Sport, 202km from Norcia to Sarnano-Sassotetto. This challenging stage takes in several ascents, before finishing with a final climb from Sarnano to Sassotetto (14.2 km): 5.8% average gradient with peaks topping out at 12%.

Stage 4 of the 2018 'Corsa dei Due Mari' also finished here, where Mikel Landa took the victory ahead of Rafał Majka and George Bennett.

Today, Stage 5 passes by many of the places hit by the 2016 earthquakes in central Italy. The thoughts of those involved in the race are with all the people who were affected by this tragedy.

The peloton, 166 riders strong, passed km 0 at 10:36. 

WEATHER
Norcia (Start): Partly cloudy 23°C. Wind: weak – 8kmh, E.
Sassotetto (16.00 - Finish ): Mostly sunny 22°C. Wind: moderate – 11kmh, NE.

DOWNLOADS

• Photo Gallery from today's stage start
• Results Stage 4
• Tirreno–Adriatico EOLO - Maps
• Tirreno–Adriatico EOLO Road Book

VELON
The list of riders equipped with the Velon data-tracking system in today's race is available via this link.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling)
2 - Rafal Majka (Bora - Hansgrohe) at 9"
3 - Fausto Masnada (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) at 18"
4 - Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton - Scott) at 27"
5 - Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb) at 30"
6 - Geraint Thomas (Team Ineos) at 34"
7 - Simon Yates (Mitchelton - Scott at 34"
8 - Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana Pro Team) at 34"
9 - Jack Haig (Mitchelton - Scott) at 47"
10 - James Knox (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) at 47"

JERSEYS

• Maglia Azzurra (blue), General Classification Leader, sponsored by Gazprom - Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling)
• Maglia Arancio (orange), Sprinter Classification Leader, sponsored by Sportful - Pascal Ackermann (Bora - Hansgrohe)
• Maglia Verde (green), King of the Mountains Classification Leader, sponsored by Enel - Michael Woods (EF Pro Cycling) - worn by Hector Carretero (Movistar Team)
• Maglia Bianca (white), Young Rider General Classification Leader, sponsored by Sara Assicurazioni - Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton - Scott)

POINTS AND TIME BONUSES 
During the stage, 13 seconds worth of time bonuses are up for grabs in the individual overall classification, a maximum of 17 points are available for the points classification, and 35 points for the King of the Mountains competition.

THE ROUTE

Stage 5 - Norcia - Sassotetto (202km)
This very demanding stage features many climbs including three classified GPMs. The route initially climbs the Forca di Ancarano (not classified as GPM) to enter the Sibillini mountains. After Visso it goes up to the Santuario di Macereto (Sanctuary of Macereto) preceded by the Santa Margherita hill. Once in Polverina, a sequence of ascents and descents begins that give riders no letup until the finish. The climbs of San Ginesio, Gualdo and Penna San Giovanni all feature before the final ascent to Sassotetto from Sarnano: 14.2km at a 5.8% average gradient, peaking at 12%. The last kilometers of the stage coincide with the final climb to Sassotetto. It’s a fairly constant gradient between 6 and 7% with some peaks over 10% and featuring long straights and  hairpin bends. The slope softens close to the finish line.

NORCIA
Norcia is located in the beautiful Valnerina, at the border between Umbria and Marche. It was part of the ancient Roman Empire, but it was settled even earlier, by the Sabines. Here Christianity spread during the 3rd century, leaving a mark on the town, which was the birthplace of the holy twins, St. Scholastica and St. Benedict. The latter is recognised as patron saint of Europe, and founder of the first monastic community in Italy.

Located near the Monti Sibillini, Norcia offers a strikingly wonderful natural landscape, especially during the annual blossom, when the blooming rainbow fields carpet the wide basin in Castelluccio, filling the air with lovely scents. The taste of local cuisine is something you will never forget: Norcia is renowned for its meat specialties, and the term “norcineria” has now become widely used to refer to “deli shop”. The town is a major producer of top-quality salame and prosciutto, along with other traditional delicacies such as tiny and tender lentils, mountain mushrooms and truffle, cheese (especially pecorino and caciotta), as well as fine local wines.

SARNANO-SASSOTETTO
Lying at the foot of the Sibylline Mountains, in the provincial territory of Macerata, Sarnano is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and an Orange Flag certified by the Touring Club of Italy. Main sights include the church of St. Francis, dedicated to the “poor friar” from Assisi, remembering when he visited the town. Major landmarks also include Piazza Alta, with Palazzo dei Priori and Palazzo del Popolo. Inside the latter, the Teatro della Vittoria – a tiny gem with a little more than 100 seats – was created in the early 19^th century, by the will of some local families. Equally noteworthy are the picture gallery, the church of Santa Maria di Piazza and the abbey of Piobbico, nestled among the mountains. The surroundings of the village are a real paradise for sports enthusiasts, with 11 kilometres of ski slopes (with views ranging as far as the sea on clear days), countless routes for trekking and mountain biking, plenty of trails for hiking and horse riding, as well as a flight school to experience the thrill of hang gliding and paragliding. For a relaxing time, the thermal park sure deserves a visit. In 2018, the town hosted an intermediate sprint of the Giro d’Italia, as well as a Tirreno-Adriatico stage finish.

TV COVERAGE
Stage 5 of the Tirreno-Adriatico EOLO International TV Schedule is available here.

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