Tirreno-Adriatico stage 7 LIVE - Final stage will almost certainly be for the sprinters

The Tirreno-Adriatico concludes today with its seventh and final stage, a 143km flat run from Civitanova Marche to San Benedetto del Tronto. As widely anticipated, this stage is almost certainly earmarked for the peloton's fastmen, setting up a final showdown for sprint glory. While the overall classification is largely settled, the battle for this prestigious stage win promises a high-speed spectacle, a traditional closing act for the 'Race of the Two Seas'.

This predictable sprint finish on the Adriatic coast has become a hallmark of Tirreno-Adriatico, much like the final procession into Paris for the Tour de France. For the GC contenders, it's a day of relief and celebration, a chance to safely navigate the peloton before the podium. For the sprinters, however, it's a last-gasp opportunity to salvage a stage victory from a week often dominated by climbers and time trialists, providing a crucial confidence boost for the upcoming Classics.

Another day, another flat stage for the sprinters. One might almost think the organisers enjoy watching 140km of nervous positioning culminate in 30 seconds of furious pedalling.