Stage 8: Fiuggi – Campitello Matese 186 kms MTF
Start time: 12:05, May 16th
Analysis:
Second MTF of the Giro, on the hardest final climb of the whole race (!). We start in Fiuggi, and after a first descending section the peloton hits the first ascent of the day, the uncategorized climb to Veroli. After the valley, the riders will climb the GPM2 Forca d'Acero (26 kms at 5%), very long but with low gradients. Once the climb is done, a short descent will lead the bunch to a series of descending false flats and little hills, none of them is really important, but they'll all add to the overall fatigue. As soon as they reach the bottom of this section, it's time for the final climb: the GPM1 Campitello Matese (13 km at 6.9%), that despite being not nearly as tough as your typical Giro queen MTF, is still a good climb, where it is possible to make the difference. It's worth noting that the actual climb ends at 700m to the finish, which is on gentle descent. The Giro has finished here 5 times in its history, and the list of past winners is quite impressive.
WINNERS IN CAMPITELLO MATESE
1982 Hinault
1983 Fernandez
1988 Chioccioli
1994 Berzin
2002 Simoni
Expectations:
The first showdown between the main contenders. Probably serious attacks starting from 4 km to the top. I expect a solo winner from the GC contenders.
Start time: 12:05, May 16th
Analysis:
Second MTF of the Giro, on the hardest final climb of the whole race (!). We start in Fiuggi, and after a first descending section the peloton hits the first ascent of the day, the uncategorized climb to Veroli. After the valley, the riders will climb the GPM2 Forca d'Acero (26 kms at 5%), very long but with low gradients. Once the climb is done, a short descent will lead the bunch to a series of descending false flats and little hills, none of them is really important, but they'll all add to the overall fatigue. As soon as they reach the bottom of this section, it's time for the final climb: the GPM1 Campitello Matese (13 km at 6.9%), that despite being not nearly as tough as your typical Giro queen MTF, is still a good climb, where it is possible to make the difference. It's worth noting that the actual climb ends at 700m to the finish, which is on gentle descent. The Giro has finished here 5 times in its history, and the list of past winners is quite impressive.
WINNERS IN CAMPITELLO MATESE
1982 Hinault
1983 Fernandez
1988 Chioccioli
1994 Berzin
2002 Simoni
Expectations:
The first showdown between the main contenders. Probably serious attacks starting from 4 km to the top. I expect a solo winner from the GC contenders.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram