Cycling: And the next mountain finish at the Giro d'Italia is already waiting for the professionals. On the 17th stage, five mountain classifications must be completed. Will the breakaways prevail or does Tadej Pogacar want to win again?
Just ups and downs
After the snow chaos on today's Giro d'Italia stage, things will hopefully be a bit more organized on tomorrow's 17th stage. It certainly won't be easy, though, as the 159-kilometer route from Selva di Val Gardena to the Passo Brocon is a tough one. With the Passo Sella (9 km at 7,3%), the Passo Rolle (19,8 km at 4,6%), the Passo Gobbera (5,7 km at 5,8%), the Passo Brocon (13,6 km at 6,5%), and then the Passo Brocon again (11,9 km at 6,4%), there are five challenging climbs on the route. The second ascent of the final climb, in particular, with its very steep sections, will likely cause problems for some riders. Because the stage is so short, it will be especially hard-fought and could ultimately create some time gaps.
Velomotion forecast: Outliers sense their chance
If the Giro d'Italia were still undecided, the general classification contenders would likely be looking to make the decisive difference today. However, with Tadej Pogacar (UAE) leading the GC so convincingly, it's unlikely the peloton will necessarily keep the gap to the breakaway small. And even though the battle for podium places behind the Slovenian is extremely tight, his pursuers can't expect to actually be in contention for the stage win. Tadej Pogacar isn't known for giving anything away. Therefore, it's highly probable that the stage victory will go to the breakaway group, and there will be a second battle to watch behind them. Daniel Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe) will continue trying to attack Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers). And the Bahrain-Victorious and Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale teams will do everything they can to somehow get into the top three. But the stage win will go to Damiano Caruso (Bahrain-Victorious). Because we think the Italian will venture into the breakaway group and win the stage.
* * * Damian Caruso (Bahrain-Victorious)
** Valentin Paret Peintre (Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale), Dominic Pozzo alive (VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè)
* Michael Storer (Tudor), Davide Piganzoli (Polti – Kometa), Simon Geschke (Cofidis)