The Tirreno–Adriatico was created in 1966 by the Lazio-based cycling club "Forze Sportive Romane". As all the illustrious Italian cycling races were held in Northern Italy, the race was named "Tre Giorni del Sud" (English: "Three days of the South"). The first edition was a three-day race, starting on 11 March 1966 in Rome and finishing two days later in Pescara. Dino Zandegù won the inaugural edition. In 1967 the second edition was run over five stages, won by Franco Bitossi.