Cycling: On the 19th stage of the Giro d'Italia, the focus is once again on climbers. But the super-difficult mountains are missing tomorrow. Is this another chance for brave outliers like Simon Geschke or Georg Steinhauser?
Only 2nd and 3rd category mountains
The Giro d'Italia is drawing to a close. After today's flat stage for the sprinters, tomorrow's stage will again challenge the climbers. The 157-kilometer route from Mortegliano to Sappada features three categorized climbs, but none of them are truly difficult. The Passo Duron (6,9 km at 5,8%), the Sella Valcalda (8,9 km at 3,7%), and the Cima Sappada (10,7 km at 4,4%) are all either too short or not steep enough to pose a real problem for the general classification contenders.
Velomotion forecast: Another outlier
Tomorrow, another breakaway rider will be able to celebrate the stage win – that's our prediction. The very undemanding first half of the race is perfect for forming a large group. Hardly any team is likely to have a real interest in closing the gap and getting into the final kilometers with Tadej Pogacar (UAE) – except perhaps Movistar. Therefore, it's highly likely that several riders will break away from the peloton at the start and ultimately contest the stage victory amongst themselves. Several riders from eleventh place onwards in the general classification are also potential contenders. They are strong climbers, in good form, and are likely to be given a head start by UAE Team Emirates. We're predicting a strong breakaway group and a victory for Lorenzo Fortunato (Astana). The Italian is having a very good Giro d'Italia and could crown it tomorrow.
* * * Lorenzo Fortunato (Astana)
** Luca Covili (VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè), Valentin Paret Peintre (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale)
* Michael Storer (Tudor), Davide Piganzoli (Polti – Kometa), Simon Geschke (Cofidis)