Giro 2014 Route Rumours

[number0]

the Giro 2014 will finish in Trieste..it's sure
the stage before will be the twice climb of Zoncolan.it's sure to
excuse me for my english language..

 

[Eshnar]

the Giro 2014 will finish in Trieste..it's sure
the stage before will be the twice climb of Zoncolan.

Yes looks like it.

 

[Netserk]

If they put up barriers along the whole 4km stretch, then it should be possible, no?

 

[Eshnar]

If they put up barriers along the whole 4km stretch, then it should be possible, no?

Not sure at all. I mean, it IS possible. But even Crostis was definitely possible. The problem is what UCI and riders think.

 

[aleale]

Almost certainly also the stage in Savona

 

[TANK91]

Hey great work lads, Eshnar in your opinion I know we don't no exactly yet but what does you feelings tell you, a good route?

 

[Eshnar]

Hey great work lads, Eshnar in your opinion I know we don't no exactly yet but what does you feelings tell you, a good route?

Not sure. Depends on the Aprica stage (if in the end there is one Aprica stage), on the amount of the ITTs, on the Zonc stage and in general on the number of hilly stages. What seems clear is that it'll be as backloaded as always, but there aren't many potential multiclimbs stages. And that's bad.

 

[OlavEH]

Bah, even more Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan. Once this was orginial. Now, it's getting old. The climbs are so tough that there is almost impossible to attack. Especially Zoncolan is ridiculosly hard, and now they are going to do it twice in the same stage....

I would much rather prefer using other climbs which. A Sampeyre/Fauniera-double would be interesting. A stage finish at Montecampione after doing Vivione. A classic multiple climb Dolomite-stage with some of the climbs like Duran, Staulanza, Giau, Fedaia, etc. What about Monte Grappa? Why is that climb almost never used?

There are lots of opportunities instead of focusing solely on the "megaclimbs" Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan.

 

[Eshnar]

Bah, even more Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan. Once this was orginial. Now, it's getting old. The climbs are so tough that there is almost impossible to attack. Especially Zoncolan is ridiculosly hard, and now they are going to do it twice in the same stage....

I would much rather prefer using other climbs which. A Sampeyre/Fauniera-double would be interesting. A stage finish at Montecampione after doing Vivione. A classic multiple climb Dolomite-stage with some of the climbs like Duran, Staulanza, Giau, Fedaia, etc. What about Monte Grappa? Why is that climb almost never used?

There are lots of opportunities instead of focusing solely on the "megaclimbs" Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan.

well, it's not exactly like Kronplatz is overused... And even Zonc has been climbed only four times (in 11 years). Now, if they do something wise with the Zonc stage (that is, not doing a stupid Zonc - Sella Valcalda - Zonc) there is certainly the chance to attack on the first Zoncolan climb, especially since it'll be the second last stage.
As for the Mortirolo, it is THE attacking climb so I don't know what you're complaining for.

The rumours as I said are not very good in terms of attacking possibilities, that's true. But it's not a fault of those three climbs. The problem is that Oropa, Nivolet and Pian del Falco will at 99% be a one-climb-only stage. And regardless of what they'll throw before Plan De Corones, no one will attack before as it comes the day before a 2x Zoncolan. So it all comes down to the Carpegna stage, which looks very good, the Zoncolan final layout and the possible (but no sure at all) Aprica stage.

edit: Oh, about the Monte Grappa, 2015.

 

[OlavEH]

well, it's not exactly like Kronplatz is overused... And even Zonc has been climbed only four times (in 11 years). Now, if they do something wise with the Zonc stage (that is, not doing a stupid Zonc - Sella Valcalda - Zonc) there is certainly the chance to attack on the first Zoncolan climb, especially since it'll be the second last stage.
As for the Mortirolo, it is THE attacking climb so I don't know what you're complaining for.

The rumours as I said are not very good in terms of attacking possibilities, that's true. But it's not a fault of those three climbs. The problem is that Oropa, Nivolet and Pian del Falco will at 99% be a one-climb-only stage. And regardless of what they'll throw before Plan De Corones, no one will attack before as it comes the day before a 2x Zoncolan. So it all comes down to the Carpegna stage, which looks very good, the Zoncolan final layout and the possible (but no sure at all) Aprica stage.

Maybe not overused, but using all 3 of these climbs in the same edition is overkill IMO. One of them in each edition of the Giro is certainly enough.

Where is Plan de Flaco btw? Never heard of that before.

 

[Eshnar]

Maybe not overused, but using all 3 of these climbs in the same edition is overkill IMO. One of them in each edition of the Giro is certainly enough.

Where is Plan de Flaco btw? Never heard of that before.

Pian del Falco is in the northern Appennines, not far from S.Pellegrino In Alpe (but they won't come from there). The proper climb starts from Sestola, but if they come from east (like the rumours say) they will be climbing from Fanano.

 

[airstream]

Sadly action on last 3 editions disappointed me so deeply that I don't even know how the route should look like to try something new. Hopefully we'll just see as far as it's possible the strongest line-up.

 

[Eshnar]

Sadly action on last 3 editions disappointed me so deeply that I don't even know how the route should look like to try something new. Hopefully we'll just see as far as it's possible the strongest line-up.

2011 was quite good actually
and the first week of this year too.

 

[airstream]

2011 was quite good actually
and the first week of this year too.

I always record the best GT stages on usb flash to rewatch on a cold winter evening. It was the 1st Giro I had nothing to record... Anyway I think the best stage of 2 last years was Pampeago. At least we got an explosion, yes not the most biggest but still...

 

[Eshnar]

I always record the best GT stages on usb flash to rewatch on a cold winter evening. It was the 1st Giro I had nothing to record... Anyway I think the best stage of 2 last years was Pampeago. At least we got an explosion, yes not the most biggest but still...

What are you talking about. You didn't record Gardeccia? lol
And to say Pampeago was better than, for example, the Stelvio stage... you sure have a strange view of cycling.

 

[Ferminal]

The first sprint stage was a cracker!

 

[JRanton]

I'm a bit concerned that the line-up will be pretty weak next year. Nibali, Froome, Contador and Quintana will all be at the Tour. Valverde too I imagine. Purito? Katusha will probably want him at the Tour and after his good ride this year he will most likely wish to return. Those are the best six GC guys.

This year you had Nibali vs Wiggins as the pre-race hype. Next year...?

Doesn't mean the race can't be very good though. With no big favourite it means the GC should be more open and hopefully competitive right until the end.

 

[Ferminal]

I doubt Rodriguez will do the Tour, pretty sure I read that he was happy with his podium (and 2010 stage win). Next year he will probably try and win L-B-L so top form in the Giro probably not on the agenda. I can see him doing Vuelta only with the home worlds.

Porte is the big favourite. Kreuziger should be there and will be a main threat. Scarponi and Basso will be there and Pellizotti you would expect to be stronger next year, although may be saved for the Tour.

 

[Michele]

Bah, even more Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan. Once this was orginial. Now, it's getting old. The climbs are so tough that there is almost impossible to attack. Especially Zoncolan is ridiculosly hard, and now they are going to do it twice in the same stage....

I would much rather prefer using other climbs which. A Sampeyre/Fauniera-double would be interesting. A stage finish at Montecampione after doing Vivione. A classic multiple climb Dolomite-stage with some of the climbs like Duran, Staulanza, Giau, Fedaia, etc. What about Monte Grappa? Why is that climb almost never used?

There are lots of opportunities instead of focusing solely on the "megaclimbs" Mortirolo, Kronplatz and Zoncolan.

Cause it's not exactly an exciting climb.

 

[staubsauger]

I doubt Rodriguez will do the Tour, pretty sure I read that he was happy with his podium (and 2010 stage win). Next year he will probably try and win L-B-L so top form in the Giro probably not on the agenda. I can see him doing Vuelta only with the home worlds.

Porte is the big favourite. Kreuziger should be there and will be a main threat. Scarponi and Basso will be there and Pellizotti you would expect to be stronger next year, although may be saved for the Tour.

Betancur should be a potential winner of next year's edition, unless AG2R will force him to ride the Tour for a top 10 placement instead of the giro.

 

[Eshnar]

***UPDATES***

It looks like the stage to the Nivolet will be just up to Ceresole Reale instead. That's ofc a lot more likely and (obviously) disappointing. What's new is that the rumour about a stage in France regained strength. It's either L'Alpe or Briancon. If it's the latter, the route would be Finestre - Sestriere - Montgenevre. Meanwhile, Oropa seems not so likely anymore.

It seems also that Prati di Tivo will be the first MTF. The first week might turn out to be very hard, with three MTFs.

1 Belfast ITT
2 Belfast - Belfast
3 Armagh - Dublin
4 Bari TTT
5 ??? - Guardiagrele??
6 ??? - Prati di Tivo MTF
7 ??? - ???
8 ??? - Eremo del Carpegna?? MTF??
9 Cesenatico - Pian del Falco MTF
rest
10 Modena - Mantova??
11 ??? - Savona
12 Barolo - Barbaresco ITT
13 ??? - Oropa?? MTF??
14 S.M.Maggiore - Ceresole Reale MTF
15 ??? - Briancon??
rest
16 ??? - Aprica?? MTF??
17 ??? - Montecchio Maggiore
18 Treviso - Jesolo ITT (?)
19 ??? - Plan De Corones MTF
20 ??? - Zoncolan MTF
21 ??? - Trieste

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

The first week might turn out to be very hard, with three MTFs.

Vuelta style "mountain" stages I'm guessing. They seem to be heading in that direction, anyway.

 

[Eshnar]

Vuelta style "mountain" stages I'm guessing. They seem to be heading in that direction, anyway.

The Carpegna stage would be very hilly. Dunno about the other two.

 

[Ferminal]

There's nothing wrong with a Vuelta stage or two, especially if they are strategically placed.

 

[roundabout]

8(?) MTFs seems too many. 3 in the first 9 days is also unlike the Giri I remember.

2 ITT's look good.

Briancon via Sestriere is rather underwhelming. It must be circa 60km away from the top of Finestre