On the scene at Tirreno-Adriatico, stages 1-3

So far, the sun has been shining on this edition of Tirreno-Adriatico, and the palm trees and snow-capped mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for the stage one ttt.

Backstage in the start area, Tom Dumoulin seemed relaxed as he waited with his teammates for their start time.

Quintana’s reflective visor provided some prime advertising space for La Gazzetta dello Sport.

On stage two, the breakaway riders and then the peloton climbed a lovely little road on their first pass through Pomarance.

Geraint Thomas took the stage win on a late breakaway, with Dumoulin and Sagan rounding out the podium.

Thomas just after the finish:

At the press conference, Thomas was happy to talk about the race, and he

didn’t dodge questions about Team Sky’s recent troubles, but after a couple of questions about the anti-doping investigation, Sky’s press officer signaled that the conference was over.

Haha, well, I didn’t intend to put that photo in the middle of the text, but this is my first time using the new posting format, and I can’t figure out know how to change it :)

Anyway, on to stage three, where the world champion showed off the rainbow jersey in fine style.

Cav, Doom, and Nibali finished together in the pack.

Sebastian Langeveld and Sep Vanmarcke:

On the podium, when the photographers made our usual dash for cover when the prosecco bottle appeared, Sagan made a joking, “where is everyone?” gesture, then stepped to the edge of the stage for maximum spraying range.

Rohan Dennis, taking his turn in BMC’s “pass the leader’s jersey” game, seemed to enjoy his moment in the sun.

At the presser, Sagan was good natured but laconic, patiently answering as many questions as anyone had.