Cycling: After the climbing spectacle is before the flat stage. The 18th section of the Giro d'Italia will almost certainly be decided in a mass sprint. Can Italy's high-flyer Jonathan Milan get his next win?
No hurdles on the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia
The Giro d'Italia professionals face only one categorized climb on the 178-kilometer 18th stage from Fiera di Primiero to Padua. Just 18 kilometers in, a category 4 climb (3,4 km at 5,6%) awaits the riders. After that, it's all downhill towards the finish. This stage could break several speed records – provided there's no dawdling. The stage starts at an altitude of 681 meters, and the finish in Padua is only 11 meters above sea level. However, based on past experience, we can expect few teams and riders to be interested in joining a breakaway. A bunch sprint seems almost inevitable given the relatively easy profile and the presence of top sprinters.
Velomotion prediction: Milan are the favorites
Jonathan Milan (Lidl – Trek) has already secured stages 4, 11, and 13. There's no reason not to consider him a favorite for stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia. The Italian has impressively demonstrated his ability to win even demanding stages and, above all, that he has a team that protects him and always puts him in the best position. In addition to his three stage wins, Jonathan Milan has also finished second twice and fifth once. His consistency is impressive and should continue tomorrow in Padua. His likely fastest opponent is Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick-Step). The Belgian is particularly fast at the finish but doesn't have such a strong team. Kaden Groves (Alpecin – Deceuninck) is still missing a stage win. He also has a strong team, but he has often lacked the decisive punch in the final sprints. Can he finally strike tomorrow, or will an outsider pull off a surprise?
* * * jonathan milan (Lidl – Trek)
** Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step), Caden Groves (Alpecin – Deceuninck)
* Stanislaw Aniolkowski (Cofidis), Tim van Dijke (Visma – Lease a Bike), Madis Mihkels (Intermarche – Wanty)