Cycling: After opening time trial, the second stage of the Giro d'Italia is on the agenda. A mass sprint is possible – but not guaranteed. Two mountain classifications within the last 50 kilometers could cause problems for some sprinters.
A classic mass sprint is not guaranteed
The second stage of Giro d'Italia 2019 leads the peloton over 205,0 kilometers from Bologna to Fucecchio. The pros first drive straight south before they hold the first sprint classification in Montespertoli and later the second in Empoli. In fact, it gets serious afterwards. With 47,4 kilometers to go, the Montalbano (3rd category) to be crossed. With a length of 5,8 km and an average slope of 6,8 percent he will cause problems for most sprinters at the right speed. Although these could restore the connection on the descent, the next summit has to be climbed 26,3 kilometers before the finish. In San Baronto ends a 11,3 km long climb (4th category), although average only 2,4 percent is steep, but contains maximum gradients of up to ten percent. Due to the previously mastered Montalbano, the actually rather easy Rollerberg to San Baronto could give the sprinters the rest.
Velomotion Prognosis: Caleb Ewan takes advantage of his low body weight
The two climbs within the last 50 kilometers will affect some sprinters. At least there are teams that really shouldn't let such a situation go. If the pure sprinters are distanced by the two mountains, the focus suddenly shifts to completely different drivers. For example, you could benefit from this Francesco Gavazzi (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec), Juan Jose Lobato (Nippo – Vini Fantini – Faizanè) and Enrico Battaglin (Katusha-Alpecin). All three should stay in the peloton even at a high pace and be able to win a sprint without classic sprinters. Their teams should actually make an effort, otherwise they would have little chance of success at this year's Giro d'Italia.
This early in the tour, however, it is much more likely that the climbs will not be completed at full speed and therefore some - or maybe even all - top sprinter stick with it. We bet on a win by Caleb ewan (Lotto – Soudal), as the little Australian weighs significantly less than his opponents. Of all the classic sprinters, he is likely to have the fewest problems within the last 50 kilometers. In addition, the approach to the finish includes several curves and roundabouts before turning onto the 900-meter-long home straight. With his strong team, Caleb Ewan can prepare such an arrival perfectly - and celebrate the stage win.
☆☆☆ Caleb Ewan (Lotto – Soudal)
* * Elia Viviani (Deceuninck – Quick-Step), Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates)
* Enrico Battaglin (Katusha - Alpecin), Pascal Ackermann (Bora - hansgrohe), Arnaud Démare (Groupama - FDJ)
