The first summit finish of the Giro is sure to firm up the GC a bit, with most of the non-climbers sure to lose time on this 17.3 km climb to Abetone. The finish probably won't be hard enough to cause big gaps between the favourites, but even the last stage, which on paper looked a bit easier, saw Rigoberto Uran lose 38 seconds to the other big contenders. Ilhnur Zakarin had a horror day, and won't be playing any part in the GC battle, but that may free him up to go after stages, or the mountains jersey.
A tough, short stage, which will shake the pure sprinters, and despite the fact that there are 44 kms to go after the last climb, it will be a different type of rider that wins than the ones we saw contest the win yesterday. Of course Matthews is the exception to that rule, he is climbing better than ever this season, and could deliver a victory in pink as he did last season.
Stage 1 saw a predictable end, with Orica-Greenedge taking the stage and the pink jersey on the shoulders of Simon Gerrans. Today will see it most likely pass to Michael Matthews, with none of the big sprinters in striking distance of the jersey, and Matthews able to move up on positions, even if he doesn't take any bonus time. Will Stage 2 be a predictable win for Greipel?
It's been an interesting build-up to the Giro D'Italia this season, with Richie Porte absolutely dominating the lead-up events, and Alberto Contador maintaining his favouritism status by being very strong in a few races. Rigoberto Uran has also been surprisingly strong throughout the early season, which is unusual for him and should signal a strong Giro. My preview will be team-by-team and more of a round-up of what a viewer should expect this week from each squad and each stage.
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AuthorI'm Jamie Finch-Penninger, better known as Fishy, the best DS to ever sit a couch. Anything which I don't cover for a bigger site will be up here. Archives
October 2015
CategoriesCome here for the previews of all the World Tour races this season, plus any Pro Continental/NRS/tricycle races that take my fancy. Along as it's pro cycling I'll have some sort of opinion on it. I'm Australian, so be prepared for a healthy Orica-Greenedge bias. Please feel free to request any changes or previews, and stay up to date on Twitter and Facebook.
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