Re: 2020 Giro rumors thread
Didn't have time to post in this thread yet, so let's get to it.
First of all, it seems the first stage in Budapest might be similar to this year's, a prologue with an uphill finish.
After Hungary is still not clear if they are going to Sicily.
The alternative would be to go to Friuli, but if they do, then Sicily is definitely out of the whole route. Since they have a (preumably well-paid) deal for three stages and the Grande Partenza 2021, I don't think it's gonna happen. So let's assume Sicily is in. Three stages with an Etna MTF. After it, they will b-line towards the north. Maybe a stage to Sorrento before switching coast to the Adriatic.
Here they have multiple options. An ITT is rumoured involving Vasto and/or Ortona, and/or a MTF to Roccaraso.
In any case they will keep going north and likely have a copy of the Nove Colli in Cesenatico. From there, I think they are going east first.
There is a deal for at least 2 stages in Friuli. Lussari is out for now (surprise...), the candidates are a MTF on the Matajur (not all the way to the top though), a finish in Grado (maybe with some sterrato...?) and one in S.Daniele. In Veneto, one stage near Belluno is basically fixed, and there are also rumours of a MTF to Fedaia (providing also the money/motivation to fix the road in Sottoguda).
In Valtellina there is a strong rumour of a short ITT Sondrio - Teglio, which is probably gonna happen at the beginning of the third week. Then to the west Alps. Likely three mountain stages there. And we have at least four rumours: Fraiteve, San Domenico, Entracque (not sure I have any hope left for Fauniera...) and Verbania (this one might also not be a mountain stage, depends)