The penultimate stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia is a monster. There are three 2nd category and two 1st category climbs on program. It’s a hilltop finish after almost 200 km heroic efforts of up and down and up and down…
The stage literally starts with the Cima Campo, the road begins to rise after 8,5 km. The ascent is 18,7 km long with an average slope of 5,9% (steepest part 10%). This lenght is the pure promise of big dramas.
As does the next hill, the Passo Manghen too, which is even 200 m longer than the Cima Campo (18,9 km à 7,6%, max. 15,0%) The most crutial part of this ascent comes after 13 km.
But the longest climb of the day comes at 81 km to go: the 20,6 km long Passo Rolle. With its “only” 4,7 % steepness it is a realy sneaky one. so I think, this will be the real game changer.
And then we have the Croce d’Anue (11,1 km à 5,5%, max. 16,0%)
before the riders head to the final category 1 climb of the Giro, although it seems to be the easiest one on this Saturday.
Bahrain-Merida is going to try an early attack, probably Damiano Caruso will be the part of the breakaway of the day. This could be the stage for Vincenzo Nibali. Another team with a possible early attack is the Astana, and Miguel Angel Lopez is the other big favourite for this stage.
Although it’s the day for a big last battle for the pink jersey, it’s not necessary, that the winner of the stage is someone who still can play a role in this most important competition. I think, it’s worth to watch Rafal Majka (BORA-hansgrohe), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) or Hugh Carthy (Team EF) too.
I think Richard Carapaz (Movistar) will be able to save the pink jersey, meanwhile it’s quite possible that Mikel Landa will earn a stage victory today. Most likely with an attack within the last few kilometres.
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