Cycling: Even after the first rest day, a stage for the escapees awaits us at the Giro d'Italia. Or will Sunweb and Bora – hansgrohe hold everything together for Michael Matthews and Peter Sagan? Either way, we're predicting another win for Diego Ulissi.
No team will really track
On the 177,0 kilometer route from Lanciano to Tortoreto, the escape group could prevail again tomorrow. The last third of the race in particular has it all. The classic sprinters are shaken off on the wavy course and even for drivers like Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe) and Michael Matthews (Sunweb) the finish might be too heavy. Controlling the pace and keeping the breakaways at bay for the entire stage might be too much effort. The climbs in Colonnella (3,0 km á 8,6%), in Controguerra (1,0 km á 9,1%) and in Tortoreto (1,9 km á 7,4%) will decide the battle for the day's victory . After the last mountain there are still 11,5 kilometers to the finish line. If the breakaway group wins among themselves, tactical maneuvers can occur.
Velomotion forecast: Diego Ulissi is the top favourite
Has seven stages Diego Ulissi (UAE) at Tour of Italy already won – including the zweite this year. Another could be added tomorrow. The section suits the Italian very well, as the profile is wavy, but the mountains are not too long. In the overall standings, his gap is large enough for the classification drivers to let him go. If no breakaway group gets through, Diego Ulissi can also win from the field.
☆☆☆ Diego Ulissi (UAE)
* * Thomas de Gendt (Lotto - Soudal), Giovanni Visconti (Vini Zabù - KTM)
* Attila Valter (CCC), Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott), Jhonatan Narvaez (Ineos)