Re:
this Giro is in a new world, though - no Acquerone, no Vegni, it's me
TrueLibertine Seguros said:
this Giro is in a new world, though - no Acquerone, no Vegni, it's me 
Giro d'Italia
Stage 9: Porto Sant'Elpidio -> San Giacomo
122km
Mountain stage
The conclusion of a tough three days of climbing in the Appenines, this stage is much shorter and consequently should be more dynamic. In the past, we've seen that such short stages could have an impact when preceeded by a long, grueling day (TdF '11, Vuelta '16) and hopefully this time we should also see some interesting attacks, especially on the final MTF.
Start is in Porto Sant'Elpidio, where the previous stage ended. There's about 25 km of flat, during which the first Traguardi Volante is held (in Piane di Montegiorgio) after which we get three cat. 3 climbs one after the other. A false-flat leads onto the cat. 2 Montemoro, which averages 6.4% over 6 km. This is followed by a long descent and then another cat. 2, Monsampietro. A short wall (9.3% over 3 km) is the KOM Sprint and then a false flat, before a descent. There's a cat. 3 climb following, before a descent into Ascoli Piceno, for the second intermediate sprint (2nd day in a row ).
From there on, it's uphill all the way, to San Giacomo. 13.6km at 6.9% isn't as imposing as Terminillo two days ago, but still should be the site for attacks given that the next day is a rest day and consequently that there is nothing to lose. We've seen this climb twice in professional cycling (as far as I'm aware); in 2002, during stage 13 of the Giro, won by Julio Alberto Pérez and in 2007, during Tirreno-Adriatico, with Matteo Bono taking the win.
A nice conclusion to (hopefully) an enjoyable first week of racing!
Start: Porto Sant'Elpidio, Via Trieste (km 0 is on the Via Faleriense in La Luce)
Finish: San Giacomo, Piazza Luigi Ferri
Intermediate sprints: Piane di Montegiorgio, Ascoli Piceno
Feed zone: Palmiano
Climbs:
Caselunghe (3rd Category, 364 m, 2.7 Km at 5.2%, Km 29.9)
Monte San Martino (3rd Category, 429 m, 3.0 Km at 6.5%, Km 34.6)
Scentella (3rd Category, 574 m, 4.6 Km at 6.2%, Km 41.8)
Montemoro (2nd Category, 781 m, 6.0 Km at 6.4%, Km 55.5)
Monsampietro (2nd Category, 619 m, 3.1 Km at 9.2%, Km 72.6)
Cimagallo (3rd Category, 370 m, 3.8 Km at 6.2%, Km 101.0)
San Giacomo (1st Category, 1093 m, 13.7 Km at 6.8%, Finish)
Stage 9: Porto Sant'Elpidio -> San Giacomo
122km
The conclusion of a tough three days of climbing in the Appenines, this stage is much shorter and consequently should be more dynamic. In the past, we've seen that such short stages could have an impact when preceeded by a long, grueling day (TdF '11, Vuelta '16) and hopefully this time we should also see some interesting attacks, especially on the final MTF.
Start is in Porto Sant'Elpidio, where the previous stage ended. There's about 25 km of flat, during which the first Traguardi Volante is held (in Piane di Montegiorgio) after which we get three cat. 3 climbs one after the other. A false-flat leads onto the cat. 2 Montemoro, which averages 6.4% over 6 km. This is followed by a long descent and then another cat. 2, Monsampietro. A short wall (9.3% over 3 km) is the KOM Sprint and then a false flat, before a descent. There's a cat. 3 climb following, before a descent into Ascoli Piceno, for the second intermediate sprint (2nd day in a row
).From there on, it's uphill all the way, to San Giacomo. 13.6km at 6.9% isn't as imposing as Terminillo two days ago, but still should be the site for attacks given that the next day is a rest day and consequently that there is nothing to lose. We've seen this climb twice in professional cycling (as far as I'm aware); in 2002, during stage 13 of the Giro, won by Julio Alberto Pérez and in 2007, during Tirreno-Adriatico, with Matteo Bono taking the win.
A nice conclusion to (hopefully) an enjoyable first week of racing!
Start: Porto Sant'Elpidio, Via Trieste (km 0 is on the Via Faleriense in La Luce)
Finish: San Giacomo, Piazza Luigi Ferri
Intermediate sprints: Piane di Montegiorgio, Ascoli Piceno
Feed zone: Palmiano
Climbs:
Caselunghe (3rd Category, 364 m, 2.7 Km at 5.2%, Km 29.9)
Monte San Martino (3rd Category, 429 m, 3.0 Km at 6.5%, Km 34.6)
Scentella (3rd Category, 574 m, 4.6 Km at 6.2%, Km 41.8)
Montemoro (2nd Category, 781 m, 6.0 Km at 6.4%, Km 55.5)
Monsampietro (2nd Category, 619 m, 3.1 Km at 9.2%, Km 72.6)
Cimagallo (3rd Category, 370 m, 3.8 Km at 6.2%, Km 101.0)
San Giacomo (1st Category, 1093 m, 13.7 Km at 6.8%, Finish)
I'm posting everyday... what has happened????? (touch wood )
Giro d'Italia
Stage 10: Perugia -> Siena
182km
Hilly stage
We all love a bit of white roads here and there, and on this stage of my Giro we're having 26.9 km of sterrato. Nowhere near what we see in the real spring classic, but still could produce an interesting stage, particularly if we were to see rain.
The rest day was used for a short transfer west, into Perugia, where the stage start is today. The riders head west, entering Tuscany shortly before the first intermediate sprint, in Montepulciano. Then it's about 30 km of rolling terrain before the feed zone, which is followed by the second Traguardo Volante, in Buonconvento. That is where the first sector away from asphalt is.
Some of the sectors I'm using come from Strade Bianche:
- 1. Buonconvento is the same as 4. Commune di Murlo, but done in reverse, hence the different name.
- 2. Bagnaia a Grotti Alto is the same as 2. Bagnaia, but I just felt like adding Grotti Alto given that this was going to be a categorised climb (cat. 3), and one outside of the town it is normally named after.
- 5. Monteaperti and 6. Colle Pinzuto are used exactly like in March.
Between the first two sectors there is another climb, of cat. 4, but this is on asphalt.
I was considering using Monte Sainte Marie, but didn't want to use the Strade Bianche's most iconic sector in a Giro - like the TdF doesn't use Trouee d'Arenberg (although this is for a variety of different reasons, too). Instead, the longest sector we get is Radi a Colle Malamerenda, at 7.6km.
The line is in Siena, after a difficult final km, which replicates that of the march race. The uphill section is cat. 4 (although, according to the profile, the race finishes at its summit in reality, the KoM sprint will be earlier, because there is then a short descent)
Also...
Tappa Strade Bianche
Nothing really to say here .
The professional Strade Bianche had its first edition in 2007, and was won by Alexander Kolobnev. Before then, only the grandfondo was organised. This year, the granfondo celebrated its 20th edition, whilst the race was held for the 10th time. Cancellara is the most successful rider in Tuscany, winning three Strade Bianche, though he is being chased by Kwiatkowski, who took his second win this month. Before this season's edition, Monte Sainte Marie was renamed after "Spartacus", in honour of his successes.
Start: Perugia, Piazzale Europa (km 0 is on the SR220 in Sant'Andrea delle Fratte)
Finish: Siena, Piazza del Campo
Intermediate sprints: Montepulciano, Buonconvento
Feed zone: Torrenieri
Climbs:
Casanova (4th Category, 470 m, 2.6 Km at 6.8%, Km 116.2)
Bagnaia a Grotti Alto (3rd Category, 366 m, 3.2 Km at 4.7%, Km 133.4)
Siena (4th Category, 329 m, 1.2 Km at 6.6%)
Sterrato:
1. Buonconvento (5600 m, Km 105.4),
2. Bagnaia a Grotti Alto (4800 m, Km 133.4),
3. Radi a Colle Malamerenda (7600 m, Km 147.7),
4. Isola d'Arbia a Taverne d'Arbia (6100 m, Km 156.4),
5. Monteaperti (500 m, Km 162.7),
6. Colle Pinzuto (2300 m, Km 169.0).
)Giro d'Italia
Stage 10: Perugia -> Siena
182km
We all love a bit of white roads here and there, and on this stage of my Giro we're having 26.9 km of sterrato. Nowhere near what we see in the real spring classic, but still could produce an interesting stage, particularly if we were to see rain.
The rest day was used for a short transfer west, into Perugia, where the stage start is today. The riders head west, entering Tuscany shortly before the first intermediate sprint, in Montepulciano. Then it's about 30 km of rolling terrain before the feed zone, which is followed by the second Traguardo Volante, in Buonconvento. That is where the first sector away from asphalt is.
Some of the sectors I'm using come from Strade Bianche:
- 1. Buonconvento is the same as 4. Commune di Murlo, but done in reverse, hence the different name.
- 2. Bagnaia a Grotti Alto is the same as 2. Bagnaia, but I just felt like adding Grotti Alto given that this was going to be a categorised climb (cat. 3), and one outside of the town it is normally named after.
- 5. Monteaperti and 6. Colle Pinzuto are used exactly like in March.
Between the first two sectors there is another climb, of cat. 4, but this is on asphalt.
I was considering using Monte Sainte Marie, but didn't want to use the Strade Bianche's most iconic sector in a Giro - like the TdF doesn't use Trouee d'Arenberg (although this is for a variety of different reasons, too). Instead, the longest sector we get is Radi a Colle Malamerenda, at 7.6km.
The line is in Siena, after a difficult final km, which replicates that of the march race. The uphill section is cat. 4 (although, according to the profile, the race finishes at its summit
in reality, the KoM sprint will be earlier, because there is then a short descent)Also...
Tappa Strade Bianche
Nothing really to say here
. The professional Strade Bianche had its first edition in 2007, and was won by Alexander Kolobnev. Before then, only the grandfondo was organised. This year, the granfondo celebrated its 20th edition, whilst the race was held for the 10th time. Cancellara is the most successful rider in Tuscany, winning three Strade Bianche, though he is being chased by Kwiatkowski, who took his second win this month. Before this season's edition, Monte Sainte Marie was renamed after "Spartacus", in honour of his successes.
Start: Perugia, Piazzale Europa (km 0 is on the SR220 in Sant'Andrea delle Fratte)
Finish: Siena, Piazza del Campo
Intermediate sprints: Montepulciano, Buonconvento
Feed zone: Torrenieri
Climbs:
Casanova (4th Category, 470 m, 2.6 Km at 6.8%, Km 116.2)
Bagnaia a Grotti Alto (3rd Category, 366 m, 3.2 Km at 4.7%, Km 133.4)
Siena (4th Category, 329 m, 1.2 Km at 6.6%)
Sterrato:
1. Buonconvento (5600 m, Km 105.4),
2. Bagnaia a Grotti Alto (4800 m, Km 133.4),
3. Radi a Colle Malamerenda (7600 m, Km 147.7),
4. Isola d'Arbia a Taverne d'Arbia (6100 m, Km 156.4),
5. Monteaperti (500 m, Km 162.7),
6. Colle Pinzuto (2300 m, Km 169.0).
Giro d'Italia
Stage 11: San Gimignano -> Abetone
204km
Mountain stage
The last mountain stage in the Appenines, and the fourth MTF of my Giro. Abetone is preceeded by two challenging climbs, therefore the bunch should be split and maybe we'll see some GC attacks early on (well, maybe not very early - a more important day follows tomorrow).
Start is in San Gimignano, some distance north-west of Siena. After a rolling first 20 km, the remainder for the first half of the stage is flat and includes both Traguardi Volante, in Pisa and Massa.
It's in Massa where we start to see some climbing. First up is the cat. 2 Passo del Vestito which, at 6.2% over 15.6km should rule out the less-talented climbers and consequently give us a more select group. This should be refined on the Passo di Pradaccio, which is cat. 1 - 14.9km at 8.4%. A GC favourite team may try to do a selection here and try and drop someone who is having a weaker day. The climb is more difficult towards the end - kms 11-14 exceed 11% in their average gradient.
The last climb is a drag up to Abetone, which averages 5.7% over 10.3km, making it a cat. 2.
Because of the importance of the next stage (you'll see what I mean soon ) I think this stage would go to a breakaway, but the difficulty of the Pradaccio and subsequent MTF may cause some splits in the GC group. Here, you won't win the race, but you could almost certainly lose it.
Tappa Gaul
It's Charly Gaul who's getting commemorated today. In 1959, the rider from Luxembourg was already a Giro winner (from 1956) and was seeking for a second win in Italy. He gained the pink jersey relatively early on, in stage 3, which ended in Abetone, and gained time over Anquetil. Although he then lost it to the Frenchman during stage 15, he regained it with a noteable attack on the Courmayeur stage, gaining 10 minutes and ending up on the final podium in Milan with a victory. On top of his Italian success, he also won the Tour in 1958 and was the bronze medalist in the Worlds in 1954.
Start: San Gimigiano, Viale Roma (km 0 is on the SP69)
Finish: Abetone, Via Brennero
Intermediate sprints: Pisa, Massa
Feed zone: Lido di Camaiore
Climbs:
Passo del Vestito (2nd Category, 1058 m, 15.6 Km at 6.2%, Km 134.7)
Passo di Pradaccio - San Pellegrino in Alpe (1st Category, 1621 m, 14.9 Km at 8.4%, Km 174.5)
Abetone (2nd Category, 1378 m, 10.3 Km at 5.7%, finish)
Stage 11: San Gimignano -> Abetone
204km
The last mountain stage in the Appenines, and the fourth MTF of my Giro. Abetone is preceeded by two challenging climbs, therefore the bunch should be split and maybe we'll see some GC attacks early on (well, maybe not very early - a more important day follows tomorrow).
Start is in San Gimignano, some distance north-west of Siena. After a rolling first 20 km, the remainder for the first half of the stage is flat and includes both Traguardi Volante, in Pisa and Massa.
It's in Massa where we start to see some climbing. First up is the cat. 2 Passo del Vestito which, at 6.2% over 15.6km should rule out the less-talented climbers and consequently give us a more select group. This should be refined on the Passo di Pradaccio, which is cat. 1 - 14.9km at 8.4%. A GC favourite team may try to do a selection here and try and drop someone who is having a weaker day. The climb is more difficult towards the end - kms 11-14 exceed 11% in their average gradient.
The last climb is a drag up to Abetone, which averages 5.7% over 10.3km, making it a cat. 2.
Because of the importance of the next stage (you'll see what I mean soon
) I think this stage would go to a breakaway, but the difficulty of the Pradaccio and subsequent MTF may cause some splits in the GC group. Here, you won't win the race, but you could almost certainly lose it.Tappa Gaul
It's Charly Gaul who's getting commemorated today. In 1959, the rider from Luxembourg was already a Giro winner (from 1956) and was seeking for a second win in Italy. He gained the pink jersey relatively early on, in stage 3, which ended in Abetone, and gained time over Anquetil. Although he then lost it to the Frenchman during stage 15, he regained it with a noteable attack on the Courmayeur stage, gaining 10 minutes and ending up on the final podium in Milan with a victory. On top of his Italian success, he also won the Tour in 1958 and was the bronze medalist in the Worlds in 1954.
Start: San Gimigiano, Viale Roma (km 0 is on the SP69)
Finish: Abetone, Via Brennero
Intermediate sprints: Pisa, Massa
Feed zone: Lido di Camaiore
Climbs:
Passo del Vestito (2nd Category, 1058 m, 15.6 Km at 6.2%, Km 134.7)
Passo di Pradaccio - San Pellegrino in Alpe (1st Category, 1621 m, 14.9 Km at 8.4%, Km 174.5)
Abetone (2nd Category, 1378 m, 10.3 Km at 5.7%, finish)
Great Giro so far(especially stage 8,10 and 11) but I fear the riders may softpedal stage 8 in order to save energy for stage 9.
Also why not using the hills to Fermo that were used in this years T-A? It would make the stage even more awesome. (Only using the hill in right in the first picture and using all of the wall climb(800m at %14.3) in the second picture then going down from the city or before the city.)
Also why not using the hills to Fermo that were used in this years T-A? It would make the stage even more awesome. (Only using the hill in right in the first picture and using all of the wall climb(800m at %14.3) in the second picture then going down from the city or before the city.)
- Feb 18, 2015
- 13,820
- 9,810
- 28,180
I always thought the Pradaccio-Abetone combination would be great for the last mountain stage of a giro. Maybe if the race finishes in Rome again this would be a possibility.
A stage to Abetone --> a sterrato stage on the next day (possibly Montalcino) --> at the end an easy flat stage to Rome. Before that you could put another medium mountain stage in Liguria. And if the race would come from the Alps you could even start the last week with another mountain stage. Something around Sestriere, or maybe something with the Fauniera. That would mean the last week would be:
mountain stage - flat - medium mountain - mountain - sterrato - flat.
One can dream I guess :lol:
A stage to Abetone --> a sterrato stage on the next day (possibly Montalcino) --> at the end an easy flat stage to Rome. Before that you could put another medium mountain stage in Liguria. And if the race would come from the Alps you could even start the last week with another mountain stage. Something around Sestriere, or maybe something with the Fauniera. That would mean the last week would be:
mountain stage - flat - medium mountain - mountain - sterrato - flat.
One can dream I guess :lol:
That would be awesome indeed. The sterrato stage can also finish in Montepulciano.Gigs_98 said:
Re:
I fear that too, but I think that given the gradients that they get, there will be GC selection anyway, especially towards the end. It would probably be a breakaway stage with "two races": one for the win, one for the GC fight. The differences wouldn't be huge within the GC, whilst the gradients could split the breakaway (which would probably be quite big). I mean, even a minute or more of lead could be lost on Montegranaro Nord.
Abetone wasn't going to feature in my Giro at first; there would've been a flat stage to La Spezia and then medium-mountain to Genua, flat again, an ITT and then Prato Nevoso. Then I realised about the mountain potential in the North Appenines and saw Pradaccio-Abetone as being something like Mortirolo-Aprica, which typically produces great racing; Pradaccio to break legs and Abetone to increase GC losses.
Thank youForever The Best said:
I fear that too, but I think that given the gradients that they get, there will be GC selection anyway, especially towards the end. It would probably be a breakaway stage with "two races": one for the win, one for the GC fight. The differences wouldn't be huge within the GC, whilst the gradients could split the breakaway (which would probably be quite big). I mean, even a minute or more of lead could be lost on Montegranaro Nord.
Great ideaGigs_98 said:
Abetone wasn't going to feature in my Giro at first; there would've been a flat stage to La Spezia and then medium-mountain to Genua, flat again, an ITT and then Prato Nevoso. Then I realised about the mountain potential in the North Appenines and saw Pradaccio-Abetone as being something like Mortirolo-Aprica, which typically produces great racing; Pradaccio to break legs and Abetone to increase GC losses.
One thing I miss with today's race calendar is more one day hilly classics in the second part of the season, that is after TDF. San Sebastian and Lombardia in addition to GP Emilia and the Canadian races is enough IMO. I would like to see at least 2-3 more hilly classics in the fall season.
The last years the UCI have seemed more eager in creating semi-interesting races outside of Europe than trying to encourage European organizers to create new and exciting races (Strade Bianche a notable exception). Therefore I've created some races for inspiration. First is a new classic in Switzerland
Giro del Lago Maggiore 228 km
An other big one-day classic is often looping around Lago di Como in northern Italy. This time we're moving a bit west and north into Switzerland, to the canton of Ticino. Here the riders will use the area around Lago Maggiore for a hilly classic. The race starts in Locarno at the northern tip of the lake. From Locarno the route first take the riders inland towards Santa Maria Maggiore before looping back to the lake to Cannobio. From this point much of the next 100 kms is ridden along Lago Maggiore, only with short detours for a couple of climbs.
The difficult part of the classic starts after about 175 kms with the climb to Passo San Michele. The first part of the climb is medium steep, followed by an almost flat km in the middle of the climb, before the last 3 kms averages 9-10 %. Since there are very few flat sections for the rest of the race, this part could be an opportunity for an all-out attack.
After descending from Passo San Michele, there are still 4 climbs in the last 40 kms of the race, of which 3 are categorized. The third and second last climb to Biogno and Vernate comes back-to-back without any flat sections between. These two climbs will probably be the decisive point of the race. An attack here could very well be successful. After descending towards Lugano there is a short 1,5 km, 5-6 % climb in the last few km before descending to the city centre and the race finish.
Climbs:
34 km: Finero; 4,5 km, 3,6 %
82 km: Mizziana; 4,6 km, 7 %
115 km: Montrigiasco; 3,5 km, 7,1 %
182 km: Passo San Michele; 7,6 km, 7,3 %
196 km: Montegrino Valtravaglia; 4,6 km, 6 %
209 km: Biogno; 4,3 km, 6,3 %
217 km: Vernate; 3,5 km, 6,7 %
Profile:
Map:
The last years the UCI have seemed more eager in creating semi-interesting races outside of Europe than trying to encourage European organizers to create new and exciting races (Strade Bianche a notable exception). Therefore I've created some races for inspiration. First is a new classic in Switzerland
Giro del Lago Maggiore 228 km
An other big one-day classic is often looping around Lago di Como in northern Italy. This time we're moving a bit west and north into Switzerland, to the canton of Ticino. Here the riders will use the area around Lago Maggiore for a hilly classic. The race starts in Locarno at the northern tip of the lake. From Locarno the route first take the riders inland towards Santa Maria Maggiore before looping back to the lake to Cannobio. From this point much of the next 100 kms is ridden along Lago Maggiore, only with short detours for a couple of climbs.
The difficult part of the classic starts after about 175 kms with the climb to Passo San Michele. The first part of the climb is medium steep, followed by an almost flat km in the middle of the climb, before the last 3 kms averages 9-10 %. Since there are very few flat sections for the rest of the race, this part could be an opportunity for an all-out attack.
After descending from Passo San Michele, there are still 4 climbs in the last 40 kms of the race, of which 3 are categorized. The third and second last climb to Biogno and Vernate comes back-to-back without any flat sections between. These two climbs will probably be the decisive point of the race. An attack here could very well be successful. After descending towards Lugano there is a short 1,5 km, 5-6 % climb in the last few km before descending to the city centre and the race finish.
Climbs:
34 km: Finero; 4,5 km, 3,6 %
82 km: Mizziana; 4,6 km, 7 %
115 km: Montrigiasco; 3,5 km, 7,1 %
182 km: Passo San Michele; 7,6 km, 7,3 %
196 km: Montegrino Valtravaglia; 4,6 km, 6 %
209 km: Biogno; 4,3 km, 6,3 %
217 km: Vernate; 3,5 km, 6,7 %
Profile:
Map:
Giro del Veneto 231 km
This is a new and tougher version of Giro del Veneto. I have been a bit suprised that the hilly terrain north of Verona and west of Vicenza aren't used for a one-day classic. I thought of doing the entire race in these hills, but then decided that I wanted to combine the terrain north of Verona with a loop around Lago di Garda.
That's why the race starts in Brescia and heading northeast before reaching Lago di Garda at Salo. From here the riders loop around the lake only interrupted by a climb to Tignale at the western side of the lake to avoid the many tunnels here. After looping around to the east side, the route heads into the climb of San Zeno di Montagna after 135 km. This climb has some very steep sections in the middle part of the climb. The steepest km is averaging over 13 %, and this will probably create the first decisive split of the peloton.
After descending the route takes the riders eastwards and into the hills north of Verona. The last 60 kms has 4 categorized climbs, where the climb to Montecchio averaging over 8 % in the last 2 kms could be a decisive point.
After the descent from Montecchio the riders will have to climb Torricelle, known from the World Championship RR in Verona. From the top of Torricelle there is a 4 km descent and less than 2 kms of flat to the race finish in Verona.
Climbs:
19 km: Sant' Eusebio; 9,1 km, 3,7 %
76 km: Tignale; 10,3 km, 4,6 %
139 km: San Zeno Montagna; 4,4 km, 9,4 %
174 km: Cavalo; 8,8 km, 5,1 %
187 km: Marano di Valpolicella; 4,2 km, 5,3 %
204 km: Montecchio; 5,1 km, 7,1 %
225 km: Torricelle; 3,8 km, 5,3 %
Profile:
Map:
This is a new and tougher version of Giro del Veneto. I have been a bit suprised that the hilly terrain north of Verona and west of Vicenza aren't used for a one-day classic. I thought of doing the entire race in these hills, but then decided that I wanted to combine the terrain north of Verona with a loop around Lago di Garda.
That's why the race starts in Brescia and heading northeast before reaching Lago di Garda at Salo. From here the riders loop around the lake only interrupted by a climb to Tignale at the western side of the lake to avoid the many tunnels here. After looping around to the east side, the route heads into the climb of San Zeno di Montagna after 135 km. This climb has some very steep sections in the middle part of the climb. The steepest km is averaging over 13 %, and this will probably create the first decisive split of the peloton.
After descending the route takes the riders eastwards and into the hills north of Verona. The last 60 kms has 4 categorized climbs, where the climb to Montecchio averaging over 8 % in the last 2 kms could be a decisive point.
After the descent from Montecchio the riders will have to climb Torricelle, known from the World Championship RR in Verona. From the top of Torricelle there is a 4 km descent and less than 2 kms of flat to the race finish in Verona.
Climbs:
19 km: Sant' Eusebio; 9,1 km, 3,7 %
76 km: Tignale; 10,3 km, 4,6 %
139 km: San Zeno Montagna; 4,4 km, 9,4 %
174 km: Cavalo; 8,8 km, 5,1 %
187 km: Marano di Valpolicella; 4,2 km, 5,3 %
204 km: Montecchio; 5,1 km, 7,1 %
225 km: Torricelle; 3,8 km, 5,3 %
Profile:
Map:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 12: Maranello -> Modena
46.6km
Individual time trial
A long, ITT time trial, the second such stage and the first since stage 1. It's long and flat, so aimed at the specialists.
The ramp is in Maranello, where the riders do 3/4 of the lap around Circuito di Fiorano. They head south-south-east at first, before turning north just prior to the second time check. From then, it's a ride north-west, into Modena, before a quick ride through the city centre, with the finish being next to the Parco Enzo Ferrari.
Tappa Ferrari
We're connecting two important cities for the Italian manufacturer today; Maranello, where the Circuito del Fiorano test track is, and Modena, a hub for the sports cars manufacturers. Here, Enzo Ferrari was born, and where Ferrari had their irst test track - we're finishing right next to it . The company is a great Italian product, recognised all over the world, and it now gains recognition in this version of the Giro d'Italia.
Start: Maranello, Circuito del Fiorano
Finish: Modena, Viale dell'Autodromo
Intermediate sprints: Solignano Nuovo, Brodano, San Donnino
Two stages today - second stage coming shortly
edit: maybe not don't really have time now
Stage 12: Maranello -> Modena
46.6km
A long, ITT time trial, the second such stage and the first since stage 1. It's long and flat, so aimed at the specialists.
The ramp is in Maranello, where the riders do 3/4 of the lap around Circuito di Fiorano. They head south-south-east at first, before turning north just prior to the second time check. From then, it's a ride north-west, into Modena, before a quick ride through the city centre, with the finish being next to the Parco Enzo Ferrari.
Tappa Ferrari
We're connecting two important cities for the Italian manufacturer today; Maranello, where the Circuito del Fiorano test track is, and Modena, a hub for the sports cars manufacturers. Here, Enzo Ferrari was born, and where Ferrari had their irst test track - we're finishing right next to it
. The company is a great Italian product, recognised all over the world, and it now gains recognition in this version of the Giro d'Italia. Start: Maranello, Circuito del Fiorano
Finish: Modena, Viale dell'Autodromo
Intermediate sprints: Solignano Nuovo, Brodano, San Donnino
Two stages today - second stage coming shortly
edit: maybe not
don't really have time nowGiro d'Italia
Stage 13: Modena -> Schio
194km
Flat stage
Perhaps surprisingly, stage 13 is the third stage which is due to end in a bunch sprint - the other two were stages 2 and 6, which ended at the Nardo Ring and in Benevento. This one has no categorised climbs on it, as we head through the Po Valley, and is mainly a transitional stage between the 3 consecutive GC stages and the weekend, which is also not too pleasant (you can guess where the riders will spend it based on this stage's finish ).
The riders leave from Modena, where they finished the ITT the day before. From then, its a due course north, through the Traguardi Volante in Ferrara and Vicenza (yes, I'm missing out the Colli Euganei, this stage needs to be flat so that they wouldn't get soft pedaled), before the arrival in Schio, at the foot of the Dolomites.
The run-in to the city, however, isn't particularly nice. I'm not the best at choosing locations for finish lines, and in Schio's case I chose Viale dell'Industria.
As you can see, with about 900m to go, there's a turn right, followed by a turn left at a roundabout (contrary to the map, it will be done from the inside, not the outside. Then there's a right turn with about 500m to go, before the line. May catch a few trains, but other than that, it will be an opportunity for the sprinters.
Oh, and the "uphill". The average gradient there is 1% for the last 20 kms or so. Not really much there, but if someone wants to go long, they have an opportunity.
Start: Modena, Via Jacopo Berengario
Finish: Schio, Viale dell'Industria
Intermediate sprints: Ferrara, Vicenza
Feed zone: Fratta Polesine
Stage 13: Modena -> Schio
194km
Perhaps surprisingly, stage 13 is the third stage which is due to end in a bunch sprint - the other two were stages 2 and 6, which ended at the Nardo Ring and in Benevento. This one has no categorised climbs on it, as we head through the Po Valley, and is mainly a transitional stage between the 3 consecutive GC stages and the weekend, which is also not too pleasant (you can guess where the riders will spend it based on this stage's finish
).The riders leave from Modena, where they finished the ITT the day before. From then, its a due course north, through the Traguardi Volante in Ferrara and Vicenza (yes, I'm missing out the Colli Euganei, this stage needs to be flat so that they wouldn't get soft pedaled), before the arrival in Schio, at the foot of the Dolomites.
The run-in to the city, however, isn't particularly nice. I'm not the best at choosing locations for finish lines, and in Schio's case I chose Viale dell'Industria.
As you can see, with about 900m to go, there's a turn right, followed by a turn left at a roundabout (contrary to the map, it will be done from the inside, not the outside. Then there's a right turn with about 500m to go, before the line. May catch a few trains, but other than that, it will be an opportunity for the sprinters.
Oh, and the "uphill". The average gradient there is 1% for the last 20 kms or so. Not really much there, but if someone wants to go long, they have an opportunity.
Start: Modena, Via Jacopo Berengario
Finish: Schio, Viale dell'Industria
Intermediate sprints: Ferrara, Vicenza
Feed zone: Fratta Polesine
Giro d'Italia
Stage 14: Asiago -> Selva di Val Gardena
219km
Mountain stage
Now, first of all, this stage is NOT here with the purpose of reminding us about a certain cyclist born in Cesena. It's here because:
a) on paper, I believe it's a nice stage design (this is the main reason), and more will follow about that.
b) I want to commemorate some memorable Giro moments, some of which occured for the right reasons and others for the wrong reason.
Hence why the 1998 stage.
The start is in Asiago, which unusually is followed by a long descent and flat section, with the real difficulties starting with about 100km before the line. First up is the Passo Duran (11.8 Km at 8.3%, Km 128.4) and Forcella Staulanza (12.4 Km at 6.6%) combo, which should break some legs and produce a select group of riders, whilst forming the grupetto and eliminating sprinters.
And then (Libertine, this one's for you)... Passo Fedaia, which, at 13.9 Km at 7.4% is really the centrepiece of today's stage. Its summit is located 34.5km from the line, potentially inviting the climbers to do long-range attacks (btw, tommorow is slightly easier and significantly shorter). Then it's a descent into Canazei, for the second intermediate sprint, and then we have the final challenge, the Passo Sella - 10.9 Km at 7.2%. Here, the bunch would've been split and if someone hasn't gone long, they will attack now. After the summit, all that is left is a 10.6 km rapid descent into Selva di Val Gardena, where the end of today's climbing is.
Oh, and this isn't the queen stage - more difficulties to come .
Tappa Pantani
According to the Giro organisers, a Giro is incomplete with out a Pantani tribute. I'm not a huge fan of him, but I'm trying to be realistic (well, minus the fact that I categorised all of the climbs on the Porto Sant'Elpidio stage) here goes...
Well, I think everyone knows the story, but still, here we go. Marco Pantani was four minutes behind the GC leader, Alex Zulle, before the Dolomite stages of the 1998 Giro d'Italia. He attacked on the first of those, which started from Asiago and ended in Selva di Val Gardena after climbing Duran, Staulanza, Fedaia and Giau. His attack came on the Fedaia, and he took Guerini with him. Although the other Italian took the stage win, Pantani took the maglia rosa, which he didn't let go of. After his first Giro win, he came to the Tour de France, which he also won. To date, he is the last rider to have completed the double, however, both of his wins are deemed as suspicious, as it is believed he used PEDs to obtain both of them.
Start: Asiago, Piazza della Pesa (km 0 is on the SP72, near Turcio)
Finish: Selva di Val Gardena, Strada Meisules
Intermediate sprints: Sedico, Canazei
Feed zone: La Stanga
Climbs:
Passo Duran (1st Category, 1603 m, 11.8 Km at 8.3%, Km 128.4)
Forcella Staulanza (2nd Category, 1768 m, 12.4 Km at 6.6%, Km 149.4)
Colle Santa Lucia (4th Category, 1465 m, 3.4 Km at 4.3%, Km 162.9)
Passo Fedaia (1st Category, 2058 m, 13.9 Km at 7.4%, Km 184.5)
Passo Sella Sellajoch (2nd Category, 2240 m, 10.9 Km at 7.2%, Km 208.4).
Stage 14: Asiago -> Selva di Val Gardena
219km
Now, first of all, this stage is NOT here with the purpose of reminding us about a certain cyclist born in Cesena. It's here because:
a) on paper, I believe it's a nice stage design (this is the main reason), and more will follow about that.
b) I want to commemorate some memorable Giro moments, some of which occured for the right reasons and others for the wrong reason.
Hence why the 1998 stage.
The start is in Asiago, which unusually is followed by a long descent and flat section, with the real difficulties starting with about 100km before the line. First up is the Passo Duran (11.8 Km at 8.3%, Km 128.4) and Forcella Staulanza (12.4 Km at 6.6%) combo, which should break some legs and produce a select group of riders, whilst forming the grupetto and eliminating sprinters.
And then (Libertine, this one's for you)... Passo Fedaia, which, at 13.9 Km at 7.4% is really the centrepiece of today's stage. Its summit is located 34.5km from the line, potentially inviting the climbers to do long-range attacks (btw, tommorow is slightly easier and significantly shorter). Then it's a descent into Canazei, for the second intermediate sprint, and then we have the final challenge, the Passo Sella - 10.9 Km at 7.2%. Here, the bunch would've been split and if someone hasn't gone long, they will attack now. After the summit, all that is left is a 10.6 km rapid descent into Selva di Val Gardena, where the end of today's climbing is.
Oh, and this isn't the queen stage - more difficulties to come
. Tappa Pantani
According to the Giro organisers, a Giro is incomplete with out a Pantani tribute. I'm not a huge fan of him, but I'm trying to be realistic (well, minus the fact that I categorised all of the climbs on the Porto Sant'Elpidio stage) here goes...
Well, I think everyone knows the story, but still, here we go. Marco Pantani was four minutes behind the GC leader, Alex Zulle, before the Dolomite stages of the 1998 Giro d'Italia. He attacked on the first of those, which started from Asiago and ended in Selva di Val Gardena after climbing Duran, Staulanza, Fedaia and Giau. His attack came on the Fedaia, and he took Guerini with him. Although the other Italian took the stage win, Pantani took the maglia rosa, which he didn't let go of. After his first Giro win, he came to the Tour de France, which he also won. To date, he is the last rider to have completed the double, however, both of his wins are deemed as suspicious, as it is believed he used PEDs to obtain both of them.
Start: Asiago, Piazza della Pesa (km 0 is on the SP72, near Turcio)
Finish: Selva di Val Gardena, Strada Meisules
Intermediate sprints: Sedico, Canazei
Feed zone: La Stanga
Climbs:
Passo Duran (1st Category, 1603 m, 11.8 Km at 8.3%, Km 128.4)
Forcella Staulanza (2nd Category, 1768 m, 12.4 Km at 6.6%, Km 149.4)
Colle Santa Lucia (4th Category, 1465 m, 3.4 Km at 4.3%, Km 162.9)
Passo Fedaia (1st Category, 2058 m, 13.9 Km at 7.4%, Km 184.5)
Passo Sella Sellajoch (2nd Category, 2240 m, 10.9 Km at 7.2%, Km 208.4).
Re:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 15: Selva di Val Gardena -> Tre Cime di Lavaredo
108km
Mountain stage
As a follow-up to the previous day's long stage I'm now offering a short and dynamic ride through the Dolomites. With five categorised climbs, including the Cima Coppi and summit finish at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this should be an interesting stage with punchy (attacks hopefully) occuring reasonably early on.
The start is where the riders left off the day before, in Selva di Val Gardena. From the start, they face the easiest challenge; the cat. 3 Passo Gardena with 10km at 5.4%. There is then a Traguardo Volante in La Villa, before the Passo Valparola - 13.8km at 5.9% should be an interesting test and by the summit a GC favourite group should have formed, with the weaker riders being ruled out early on. Afterwards comes probably the highlight of the day - Passo Giau. My favourite climb in the Dolomites, it averages 9.3% over 9.9km. Given that its summit comes with under 40kms to go, we could see someone going long here...
There is then a descent into Cortina d'Ampezzo for the second intermediate sprint, before the final difficulty; Tre Cime. It is two parts - firstly, Passo Tre Croci - 7.7km at 7.6%, to cause even more selection in the main group, before a 9km false flat through Misurina and then the final ramp; 6.8km at 8.3%. Painful, especially if we were to include the previous day's events. This stage should cause major GC changes, and could potentially have a huge impact on the race - though there still is a long way to go.
Btw, the next day is a rest day.
Tappa Merckx
It's the five-time Giro d'Italia winner who gets the attention today. The first time he went for the Giro was in 1968, and he obtained the pink jersey almost immediately, on stage 1 (there was a prologue). He then lost lost it after stage 3, but maintained a high GC spot and was constantly ready to attack, winning stage 8 into Brescia in the process. On stage 13, a 213 km drag up onto the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Merckx went for it and arrived at the summit first, 40 seconds ahead of Polidori. This, and his advantage gained earlier on, gave him a 3 minute 43 second gap, which he didn't relinquish and maintained until the final stage in Naples. So, today, it's a commemoration of the "Cannibal"''s success in his first "Corsa Rosa".
Start: Selva di Val Gardena, Strada Meisules (km 0 is on the Strada Meisules)
Finish: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Rifugio Auronzo
Intermediate sprints: La Villa, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Feed zone: Laronzei
Climbs:
Passo Gardena Grödnerjoch (3rd Category, 2115 m, 10.0 Km at 5.4%, Km 10.1)
Passo Valparola (2nd Category, 2206 m, 13.8 Km at 5.9%, Km 37.4)
Passo Giau (1st Category, 2236 m, 9.8 Km at 9.3%, Km 68.6)
Passo Tre Croci (2nd Category, 1807 m, 7.7 Km at 7.6%, Km 94.0)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Cima Coppi, 2320 m, 6.8 Km at 8.3%, Finish)
Giro d'Italia
Stage 15: Selva di Val Gardena -> Tre Cime di Lavaredo
108km
As a follow-up to the previous day's long stage I'm now offering a short and dynamic ride through the Dolomites. With five categorised climbs, including the Cima Coppi and summit finish at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this should be an interesting stage with punchy (attacks hopefully) occuring reasonably early on.
The start is where the riders left off the day before, in Selva di Val Gardena. From the start, they face the easiest challenge; the cat. 3 Passo Gardena with 10km at 5.4%. There is then a Traguardo Volante in La Villa, before the Passo Valparola - 13.8km at 5.9% should be an interesting test and by the summit a GC favourite group should have formed, with the weaker riders being ruled out early on. Afterwards comes probably the highlight of the day - Passo Giau. My favourite climb in the Dolomites, it averages 9.3% over 9.9km. Given that its summit comes with under 40kms to go, we could see someone going long here...
There is then a descent into Cortina d'Ampezzo for the second intermediate sprint, before the final difficulty; Tre Cime. It is two parts - firstly, Passo Tre Croci - 7.7km at 7.6%, to cause even more selection in the main group, before a 9km false flat through Misurina and then the final ramp; 6.8km at 8.3%. Painful, especially if we were to include the previous day's events. This stage should cause major GC changes, and could potentially have a huge impact on the race - though there still is a long way to go.
Btw, the next day is a rest day.
Tappa Merckx
It's the five-time Giro d'Italia winner who gets the attention today. The first time he went for the Giro was in 1968, and he obtained the pink jersey almost immediately, on stage 1 (there was a prologue). He then lost lost it after stage 3, but maintained a high GC spot and was constantly ready to attack, winning stage 8 into Brescia in the process. On stage 13, a 213 km drag up onto the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Merckx went for it and arrived at the summit first, 40 seconds ahead of Polidori. This, and his advantage gained earlier on, gave him a 3 minute 43 second gap, which he didn't relinquish and maintained until the final stage in Naples. So, today, it's a commemoration of the "Cannibal"''s success in his first "Corsa Rosa".
Start: Selva di Val Gardena, Strada Meisules (km 0 is on the Strada Meisules)
Finish: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Rifugio Auronzo
Intermediate sprints: La Villa, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Feed zone: Laronzei
Climbs:
Passo Gardena Grödnerjoch (3rd Category, 2115 m, 10.0 Km at 5.4%, Km 10.1)
Passo Valparola (2nd Category, 2206 m, 13.8 Km at 5.9%, Km 37.4)
Passo Giau (1st Category, 2236 m, 9.8 Km at 9.3%, Km 68.6)
Passo Tre Croci (2nd Category, 1807 m, 7.7 Km at 7.6%, Km 94.0)
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Cima Coppi, 2320 m, 6.8 Km at 8.3%, Finish)
Re: Re:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 16: Costiglione d'Asti -> Canelli
45.7km
Individual time trial
The first day after the second rest is the final ITT. It's another lengthy one, at 45.7km, which means that in total, there's 102km of time trialing in this Giro. Therefore, we'll get a decent balance between this and the mountain stages, so the eventual victory should go to an all-rider.
This time trial is held in Asti Province, between Costiglione d'Asti and Canelli. Unlike stage 12, it definitely isn't flat though, with three categorised climbs - first, the cat. 4 San Marzano Oliveto, then the cat. 3 Cassinasco and another cat. 3 at Pian Canelli. This means that the stage should be tilted towards the GC contenders than the specialists, so we should be in for an interesting day of racing.
Tappa di Asti
The Giro loves to commemorate Italian wine during its ITTs - Barbaresco and Barolo in 2014, Processo in 2015, Chianti in 2016 and Sagrantino in 2017. Maybe a good idea, given that those stages caused damage to the GC due to their hilly nature, and so I've continued it here, placing this one in the Asti wine region. It is a white wine, low in alcohol, sparking and quite sweet and is made from Moscato Bianco grape. Mainly, it is served with deserts.
Start: Costliglione d'Asti, SP41
Finish: Canelli, Piazza Alessandro Zoppa
Intermediate time checks:
San Marzano Oliveto - categorised climb (4th Category, 291 m, 1.5 Km at 8.2%, Km 13.9)
Cassinasco - categorised climb (3rd Category, 408 m, 4.0 Km at 6.1%, Km 23.4)
Pian Canelli - categorised climb (3rd Category, 518 m, 4.9 Km at 6.3%, Km 37.2).
Giro d'Italia
Stage 16: Costiglione d'Asti -> Canelli
45.7km
The first day after the second rest is the final ITT. It's another lengthy one, at 45.7km, which means that in total, there's 102km of time trialing in this Giro. Therefore, we'll get a decent balance between this and the mountain stages, so the eventual victory should go to an all-rider.
This time trial is held in Asti Province, between Costiglione d'Asti and Canelli. Unlike stage 12, it definitely isn't flat though, with three categorised climbs - first, the cat. 4 San Marzano Oliveto, then the cat. 3 Cassinasco and another cat. 3 at Pian Canelli. This means that the stage should be tilted towards the GC contenders than the specialists, so we should be in for an interesting day of racing.
Tappa di Asti
The Giro loves to commemorate Italian wine during its ITTs - Barbaresco and Barolo in 2014, Processo in 2015, Chianti in 2016 and Sagrantino in 2017. Maybe a good idea, given that those stages caused damage to the GC due to their hilly nature, and so I've continued it here, placing this one in the Asti wine region. It is a white wine, low in alcohol, sparking and quite sweet and is made from Moscato Bianco grape. Mainly, it is served with deserts.
Start: Costliglione d'Asti, SP41
Finish: Canelli, Piazza Alessandro Zoppa
Intermediate time checks:
San Marzano Oliveto - categorised climb (4th Category, 291 m, 1.5 Km at 8.2%, Km 13.9)
Cassinasco - categorised climb (3rd Category, 408 m, 4.0 Km at 6.1%, Km 23.4)
Pian Canelli - categorised climb (3rd Category, 518 m, 4.9 Km at 6.3%, Km 37.2).
I like your stages a lot but Modena ITT after Abetone and Tre Cime after Selva di Val Gardena can neuter the racing on Abetone and Selva di Val Gardena.
I think stage 14 can be Duran-Staulanza-Giau-Tre Cime and stage 15 can be something like Eores-Valparola-Fedaia-Sella, though I am not too happy with stage 15 of my propose.
I think stage 14 can be Duran-Staulanza-Giau-Tre Cime and stage 15 can be something like Eores-Valparola-Fedaia-Sella, though I am not too happy with stage 15 of my propose.
Re:
), so we could actually get a decent day of racing. The Giro won't be won there (that's Siena and Modena), but could be lost there.
You're quite right with the second weekend though... I'm not a huge fan of the stage 14 tbh, but again, I wanted it to be a prelude of sorts before Tre Cime. I was inspired by Tour '11, where we had Galibier one day, with a long and dragging stage through tough climbs which naturally caused GC action (Schleck) and then a short and punchy stage to AdH, where we had an interesting day, especially in terms of the maillot jaune.
Thanks for the advice, I'm always open to constructive criticism .
Abetone would quite likely go to the breakaway not only because of Modena but also Siena the day before. I used Pradaccio too, though, to have two races - one for the stage win, one amongst the GC (I mean, if 14.9km at 8.4% won't break the peloton, then what willForever The Best said:
), so we could actually get a decent day of racing. The Giro won't be won there (that's Siena and Modena), but could be lost there.You're quite right with the second weekend though... I'm not a huge fan of the stage 14 tbh, but again, I wanted it to be a prelude of sorts before Tre Cime. I was inspired by Tour '11, where we had Galibier one day, with a long and dragging stage through tough climbs which naturally caused GC action (Schleck) and then a short and punchy stage to AdH, where we had an interesting day, especially in terms of the maillot jaune.
Great idea for stage 14. For 15 I'd start in Cortina and do Valparola-Campolongo-Fedaia-Sella; Valparola to encourage someone to go long (the stage would be 115kms) and then Fedaia-Sella to do damage.Forever The Best said:
Thanks for the advice, I'm always open to constructive criticism
.Re: Re:
Also you can go full Zomegnan in stage 11 and add Pian del Falco and Monte Cimone (Cimoncino) after Abetone.
That way the attacks would be encouraged on Pian del Falco as well with still a difficult finishing climb.
Indeed. The Abetone stage is very good becuase it has Pradaccio before it. And a short mountain stage after a long mountain odyssey usually works great. And yeah, your option for stage 15 looks very nice, though as separate stages the stage 15 I like most is your original onemikii4567 said:Abetone would quite likely go to the breakaway not only because of Modena but also Siena the day before. I used Pradaccio too, though, to have two races - one for the stage win, one amongst the GC (I mean, if 14.9km at 8.4% won't break the peloton, then what willForever The Best said:
You're quite right with the second weekend though... I'm not a huge fan of the stage 14 tbh, but again, I wanted it to be a prelude of sorts before Tre Cime. I was inspired by Tour '11, where we had Galibier one day, with a long and dragging stage through tough climbs which naturally caused GC action (Schleck) and then a short and punchy stage to AdH, where we had an interesting day, especially in terms of the maillot jaune.
Great idea for stage 14. For 15 I'd start in Cortina and do Valparola-Campolongo-Fedaia-Sella; Valparola to encourage someone to go long (the stage would be 115kms) and then Fedaia-Sella to do damage.Forever The Best said:
Thanks for the advice, I'm always open to constructive criticism
Also you can go full Zomegnan in stage 11 and add Pian del Falco and Monte Cimone (Cimoncino) after Abetone.
That way the attacks would be encouraged on Pian del Falco as well with still a difficult finishing climb.
Re:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 17: Acqui Terme -> Gallarate
146km
Flat stage
As we've transferred south during the rest day, we now need to cross the Po Valley again, so we get another flat stage. The surviving sprinters (well, assuming that any came in the first place, given that this is the 5th sprint stage) will have their opportunity to shine before the final battle for the GC begins.
The start in Acqui Terme, not too far from Canelli, where the ITT finished yesterday. It's a flat ride north, with only a cat. 4 after 40 kms and some roads through towns. The Traguardi Volante are in Vigevano and Busto Arsizio, the second of which is a mere 8 kilometers before the finish line, which is in Gallarate.
Basically, there's another rest day for the GC contenders.
Start: Acqui Terme, Corso Italia
Finish: Gallarate, Viale Carlo Noè
Intermediate sprints: Vigevano, Busto Arsizio
Feed zone: Castello d'Agogna (not on the profile, but would be just before Mortara)
Climbs:
Valmadonna (4th Category, 190 m, 1.0 Km at 5.6%, Km 39.2)
Which four?Valv.Piti said:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 17: Acqui Terme -> Gallarate
146km
As we've transferred south during the rest day, we now need to cross the Po Valley again, so we get another flat stage. The surviving sprinters (well, assuming that any came in the first place, given that this is the 5th sprint stage) will have their opportunity to shine before the final battle for the GC begins.
The start in Acqui Terme, not too far from Canelli, where the ITT finished yesterday. It's a flat ride north, with only a cat. 4 after 40 kms and some roads through towns. The Traguardi Volante are in Vigevano and Busto Arsizio, the second of which is a mere 8 kilometers before the finish line, which is in Gallarate.
Basically, there's another rest day for the GC contenders.
Start: Acqui Terme, Corso Italia
Finish: Gallarate, Viale Carlo Noè
Intermediate sprints: Vigevano, Busto Arsizio
Feed zone: Castello d'Agogna (not on the profile, but would be just before Mortara)
Climbs:
Valmadonna (4th Category, 190 m, 1.0 Km at 5.6%, Km 39.2)
Giro d'Italia
Two stages today, so then I can finish on Sunday .
Stage 18: Varese -> Pescegallo
213km
Mountain stage
there is a mistake on the profile: Pescegallo is at 1457 m
Today's stage is another brutal and interesting mountainous affair, this time in Lombardy, where all of the deciding stages are held. There are two difficult cat. 1 climbs towards the end, and a selection of lower categories earlier (with another cat. 1 opening proceedings) which should make an open and interesting day of racing.
The start is in Varese, home to the 2008 Road World Championships, where the elite road races were won by Nicole Cooke and Alessandro Ballan. The first 60kms are flat, and include the first Traguardo Volante in Como, before difficulties begin. First up is Valcava, which averages 7.8% over 14.3km, to tire legs straight way. Then we have two cat. 3s - Berbenno and Forcella di Bura before the cat. 4 Olda, a long descent and a 15 km false flat section.
Then it's the beast itself - Passo San Marco. Averaging 7.7% over 17.9km, it would be a perfect HC in the TdF, and should (hopefully) see long range attacks if anyone is willing to try, or at least be highly selective. There is then a long descent into Morbegno for the second TV before the final climb, to Pescegallo. It's even longer (doesn't look like it though on the profile ) but averages 6.2%, so it is just a nice followup and opportunity to attack. You won't gain minutes here, but some seconds could be found, and they may be crucial in the GC. Unless someone has a bad day on the San Marco...
btw, if you're wondering: there isn't that much space in Pescegallo, but if the caravan stays lower down and the organizers intelligently use the parking, grass and one way road, I think it should work.
Start: Varese, Viale Ippodromo (km 0 is on the SS 342 in Malnate)
Finish: Pescegallo, Rifugio Mezzeluna
Intermediate sprints: Como, Morbegno
Feed zone: Campasso
Climbs:
Valcava (1st Category, 1331 m, 14.3 Km at 7.8%, Km 75.4)
profile shows the final 11.6kms
Berbenno (3rd Category, 674 m, 6.5 Km at 4.2%, Km 97.4)
Forcella di Bura (3rd Category, 884 m, 8.8 Km at 4.9%, Km 114.4)
Olda (4th Category, 768 m, 2.0 Km at 4.9%, Km 123.8)
Passo San Marco (1st Category, 1985 m, 17.9 Km at 7.7%, Km 167.2)
profile shows the whole 22.6kms, but only 17.9km would be categorised
Pescegallo - Rifugio Mezzeluna (1st Category, 1457 m, 19.2 Km at 6.2%, Finish)
Two stages today, so then I can finish on Sunday
. Stage 18: Varese -> Pescegallo
213km
there is a mistake on the profile: Pescegallo is at 1457 m
Today's stage is another brutal and interesting mountainous affair, this time in Lombardy, where all of the deciding stages are held. There are two difficult cat. 1 climbs towards the end, and a selection of lower categories earlier (with another cat. 1 opening proceedings) which should make an open and interesting day of racing.
The start is in Varese, home to the 2008 Road World Championships, where the elite road races were won by Nicole Cooke and Alessandro Ballan. The first 60kms are flat, and include the first Traguardo Volante in Como, before difficulties begin. First up is Valcava, which averages 7.8% over 14.3km, to tire legs straight way. Then we have two cat. 3s - Berbenno and Forcella di Bura before the cat. 4 Olda, a long descent and a 15 km false flat section.
Then it's the beast itself - Passo San Marco. Averaging 7.7% over 17.9km, it would be a perfect HC in the TdF, and should (hopefully) see long range attacks if anyone is willing to try, or at least be highly selective. There is then a long descent into Morbegno for the second TV before the final climb, to Pescegallo. It's even longer (doesn't look like it though on the profile
) but averages 6.2%, so it is just a nice followup and opportunity to attack. You won't gain minutes here, but some seconds could be found, and they may be crucial in the GC. Unless someone has a bad day on the San Marco...btw, if you're wondering: there isn't that much space in Pescegallo, but if the caravan stays lower down and the organizers intelligently use the parking, grass and one way road, I think it should work.
Start: Varese, Viale Ippodromo (km 0 is on the SS 342 in Malnate)
Finish: Pescegallo, Rifugio Mezzeluna
Intermediate sprints: Como, Morbegno
Feed zone: Campasso
Climbs:
Valcava (1st Category, 1331 m, 14.3 Km at 7.8%, Km 75.4)
profile shows the final 11.6kms
Berbenno (3rd Category, 674 m, 6.5 Km at 4.2%, Km 97.4)
Forcella di Bura (3rd Category, 884 m, 8.8 Km at 4.9%, Km 114.4)
Olda (4th Category, 768 m, 2.0 Km at 4.9%, Km 123.8)
Passo San Marco (1st Category, 1985 m, 17.9 Km at 7.7%, Km 167.2)
profile shows the whole 22.6kms, but only 17.9km would be categorised
Pescegallo - Rifugio Mezzeluna (1st Category, 1457 m, 19.2 Km at 6.2%, Finish)
Giro d'Italia
Stage 19: Morbegno -> Bergamo
163km
Hilly stage
Between two difficult mountain stages I've snuck in another hilly stage with some steep but short cat. 3 and 4 climbs. It will probably end up going to a breakaway, given the importance of stages 18 and 20 ( ) but could produce an interesting final few kms.
Start is in Morbegno, at the foot of San Marco and Pescegallo which the riders climbed yesterday. There's a large "loop" around the Como Lake, before the first intermediate sprint, in Como (second day in a row). Shortly after is the feed zone and the second Traguardo Volante, this time in Cantu. A short ride brings us to Oggiono, where difficulties start. First up is Villa Vergano - a cat.3 that, in 2011-2013, was the deciding climb in Il Lombardia. Shortly after is the Monte Marenzo, which could also be used for slight splits, though these won't be too significant. Afterwards the riders will head up Gronfaleggio, which averages 8.2% over 2.5kms, and is probably the hardest climb of the day.
Before the line we have two more climbs - Colle dei Roccoli, which averages 5.2% over 3.5km and then the famous, cobbled Bergamo Alta - 1km at 7.4%. From there, its a fast and furious descent into Bergamo.
Tappa Il Lombardia
One of the five monuments in cycling, Il Lombardia has been around since 1905 and is known as either the climber's classic or the race of the falling leaves. Its most famous climbs are Madonna del Ghisallo and the Muro di Sormano. Editions which end in Bergamo, however, frequently climb the Bergamo Alta, which is the final point where an advantage can be gained. In 2016, it was Esteban Chaves who took victory.
Start: Morbegno, Via Ezio Vanoni (km 0 is on the SS 38, near Vallate)
Finish: Bergamo, Viale Roma
Intermediate sprints: Como, Cantu
Feed zone: Senna Comasco
Climbs:
Villa Vergagno (3rd Category, 534 m, 4.0 Km at 6.5%, Km 110.5)
Monte Marenzo (3rd Category, 436 m, 3.9 Km at 5.7%, Km 123.6)
Gronfaleggio (3rd Category, 514 m, 2.5 Km at 8.5%, Km 135.2)
Colle dei Roccoli (3rd Category, 468 m, 3.5 Km at 5.2%, Km 152.7)
Bergamo Alta (4th Category, 371 m, 2.3 Km at 3.8%, Km 159.9).
Stage 19: Morbegno -> Bergamo
163km
Between two difficult mountain stages I've snuck in another hilly stage with some steep but short cat. 3 and 4 climbs. It will probably end up going to a breakaway, given the importance of stages 18 and 20 (
) but could produce an interesting final few kms.Start is in Morbegno, at the foot of San Marco and Pescegallo which the riders climbed yesterday. There's a large "loop" around the Como Lake, before the first intermediate sprint, in Como (second day in a row). Shortly after is the feed zone and the second Traguardo Volante, this time in Cantu. A short ride brings us to Oggiono, where difficulties start. First up is Villa Vergano - a cat.3 that, in 2011-2013, was the deciding climb in Il Lombardia. Shortly after is the Monte Marenzo, which could also be used for slight splits, though these won't be too significant. Afterwards the riders will head up Gronfaleggio, which averages 8.2% over 2.5kms, and is probably the hardest climb of the day.
Before the line we have two more climbs - Colle dei Roccoli, which averages 5.2% over 3.5km and then the famous, cobbled Bergamo Alta - 1km at 7.4%. From there, its a fast and furious descent into Bergamo.
Tappa Il Lombardia
One of the five monuments in cycling, Il Lombardia has been around since 1905 and is known as either the climber's classic or the race of the falling leaves. Its most famous climbs are Madonna del Ghisallo and the Muro di Sormano. Editions which end in Bergamo, however, frequently climb the Bergamo Alta, which is the final point where an advantage can be gained. In 2016, it was Esteban Chaves who took victory.
Start: Morbegno, Via Ezio Vanoni (km 0 is on the SS 38, near Vallate)
Finish: Bergamo, Viale Roma
Intermediate sprints: Como, Cantu
Feed zone: Senna Comasco
Climbs:
Villa Vergagno (3rd Category, 534 m, 4.0 Km at 6.5%, Km 110.5)
Monte Marenzo (3rd Category, 436 m, 3.9 Km at 5.7%, Km 123.6)
Gronfaleggio (3rd Category, 514 m, 2.5 Km at 8.5%, Km 135.2)
Colle dei Roccoli (3rd Category, 468 m, 3.5 Km at 5.2%, Km 152.7)
Bergamo Alta (4th Category, 371 m, 2.3 Km at 3.8%, Km 159.9).
Re:
Giro d'Italia
Stage 20: Bergamo -> Aprica
200km
Mountain stage
Queen stage time! On the penultimate day of racing, we have another mountain stage in Lombardy, and now it's one with 6121m elevation gain. Over a distance of 200kms, this can be painful, especially given the gradients we'll see and the fact that there is hardly any flat.
After starting in Bergamo, the first challenge is the Traguardo Volante in Clusone, which then leads onto the cat. 2 Passo della Presolana. It's 6% over 11km, and should be an opportunity mainly to give start to the breakaway. Then its the Passo del Vivione, which we'll do from the easier side (this early on it won't really matter). Over 20kms it averages 5.3%, but there's about 8kms of flat after the first third or so. A long descent brings us onto the feedzone in Sonico, and then we have the cat. 3 Passo dell'Aprica.
The descent leads onto the intermediate sprint in Tirano, and then into Mazzo di Valtellina, where the riders begin the cat. 1 Passo del Mortirolo. Not a lot has to be said about this climb; 11.4% over 11.6kms will be decisive, splitting the peloton and GC contenders, and probably giving an opportunity for loads of time to be gained, or lost - look Giro 2015 for this.
Whilst the stage ends in Aprica, it won't be an actual climb. Because after the descent from Mortirolo, the riders will address the final cat. 1 climb of this Giro - Monte Padrio. 7.2% over 16.4kms should be the tipping point and will show us who really deserves a win in this race and who, despite a good three weeks, will lose time at the very end. Afterwards, its a descent towards the traditional Aprica finish (so no MTF today).
Tappa Gottii
Today attention is on Ivan Gotti, the two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia, in 1997 and 1999. Before then, however, in 1996, the young Italian took a strong victory in Aprica, having crested the Mortirolo first and then reaching the line ahead of the rest of the peloton. Like here, that year, this stage was held on the penultimate day, and so it's a nice opportunity to throwback to that year.
Start: Bergamo, Viale Roma (km 0 is on the Via Antonio Locatelli in Nembro)
Finish: Aprica, Corso Roma
Intermediate sprints: Clusone, Tirano
Feed zone: Sonico
Climbs:
Passo della Presolana (2nd Category, 1297 m, 10.6 Km at 6.0%, Km 40.6)
Passo del Vivione (2nd Category, 1831 m, 20.5 Km at 5.3%, Km 69.5)
Passo dell'Aprica (3rd Category, 1184 m, 17.3 Km at 3.2%, Km 114.0)
Passo del Mortirolo (1st Category, 1869 m, 11.6 Km at 11.4%, Km 150.8)
Monte Padrio (1st Category, 1873 m, 16.4 Km at 7.2%, Km 185.0)
Giro d'Italia
Stage 20: Bergamo -> Aprica
200km
Queen stage time! On the penultimate day of racing, we have another mountain stage in Lombardy, and now it's one with 6121m elevation gain. Over a distance of 200kms, this can be painful, especially given the gradients we'll see and the fact that there is hardly any flat.
After starting in Bergamo, the first challenge is the Traguardo Volante in Clusone, which then leads onto the cat. 2 Passo della Presolana. It's 6% over 11km, and should be an opportunity mainly to give start to the breakaway. Then its the Passo del Vivione, which we'll do from the easier side (this early on it won't really matter). Over 20kms it averages 5.3%, but there's about 8kms of flat after the first third or so. A long descent brings us onto the feedzone in Sonico, and then we have the cat. 3 Passo dell'Aprica.
The descent leads onto the intermediate sprint in Tirano, and then into Mazzo di Valtellina, where the riders begin the cat. 1 Passo del Mortirolo. Not a lot has to be said about this climb; 11.4% over 11.6kms will be decisive, splitting the peloton and GC contenders, and probably giving an opportunity for loads of time to be gained, or lost - look Giro 2015 for this.
Whilst the stage ends in Aprica, it won't be an actual climb. Because after the descent from Mortirolo, the riders will address the final cat. 1 climb of this Giro - Monte Padrio. 7.2% over 16.4kms should be the tipping point and will show us who really deserves a win in this race and who, despite a good three weeks, will lose time at the very end. Afterwards, its a descent towards the traditional Aprica finish (so no MTF today).
Tappa Gottii
Today attention is on Ivan Gotti, the two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia, in 1997 and 1999. Before then, however, in 1996, the young Italian took a strong victory in Aprica, having crested the Mortirolo first and then reaching the line ahead of the rest of the peloton. Like here, that year, this stage was held on the penultimate day, and so it's a nice opportunity to throwback to that year.
Start: Bergamo, Viale Roma (km 0 is on the Via Antonio Locatelli in Nembro)
Finish: Aprica, Corso Roma
Intermediate sprints: Clusone, Tirano
Feed zone: Sonico
Climbs:
Passo della Presolana (2nd Category, 1297 m, 10.6 Km at 6.0%, Km 40.6)
Passo del Vivione (2nd Category, 1831 m, 20.5 Km at 5.3%, Km 69.5)
Passo dell'Aprica (3rd Category, 1184 m, 17.3 Km at 3.2%, Km 114.0)
Passo del Mortirolo (1st Category, 1869 m, 11.6 Km at 11.4%, Km 150.8)
Monte Padrio (1st Category, 1873 m, 16.4 Km at 7.2%, Km 185.0)
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