STAGE15: Cesana Torinese - Col Du Galibier (Valloire) 149 kms

[Red Rick]

Directly from Eshnar's analysis. Anyway I hope they go up as far as possible. Nibali to finally take his first stage win

Technical overview:
Another MTF, this time more serious. The length of the stage is poor (149 kms) but it's definitely harder than the previous mountain stages. The Moncenisio (25.7 kms at 6.2%) will be a good warm up for the Telegraphe/Galibier combo (which as far as I'm concerned is one climb, not two). The altitude will be a factor, as much as the weather, which will be a serious issue over all the second half of this Giro.

What to expect:
The first big battle for GC. Whoever is way behind in GC could even try from the Telegraphe but more likely the real action will start in the last 10 kms.

EDIT: Updated profile:

 

[Dazed and Confused]

The peloton appears to be very fatigued at this time (with good reason).

It is time for anybody with legs to get together in a big break and create some havoc in the race.

 

[maxmartin]

as much as I hope Nibali will win a stage, I think this one will go to brave breakaway. Nibali will win the MTT.
of course, unless SKY still want bonus seconds, then GC contenders will have a chance

 

[SafeBet]

Garzelli to honor il pirata over galibier.

 

[Netserk]

Garzelli to honor il pirata over galibier.

I'd LOVE that

Please win Garzelli.

 

[deValtos]

Wahey Mont Cenis back in !

What's the weather like ? (as in will we be getting coverage?)

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

just another sufferfest

 

[Afrank]

Nibali too embody the spirit of Pantani, as he strikes a deadly blow to everyone else and solos his way to victory.

Would love to see a Garzelli victory as well.

 

[The Hitch]

Main question. Are we likely to actually see the stage or another riders coming in from the shadows kinda thing?

 

[Netserk]

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Main question. Are we likely to actually see the stage or another riders coming in from the shadows kinda thing?

clearly the sport suffered, but at some level the last few minutes before Nibali and Santa emerged was pretty dramatic.

 

[Orbit501]

clearly the sport suffered, but at some level the last few minutes before Nibali and Santa emerged was pretty dramatic.

Yep, plenty of drama just in a different kind of way. I enjoyed it, although obviously would still have preferred full live coverage, but today was just one of those things beyond anyone's control.

Anyway, anyone got the new profile for tomorrows stage? I'm still unclear as to what's in and what's out, beyond knowing the Galibier is out. If anyone could post a new profile pic it would be much appreciated.

 

[Netserk]

Yep, plenty of drama just in a different kind of way. I enjoyed it, although obviously would still have preferred full live coverage, but today was just one of those things beyond anyone's control.

Anyway, anyone got the new profile for tomorrows stage? I'm still unclear as to what's in and what's out, beyond knowing the Galibier is out. If anyone could post a new profile pic it would be much appreciated.

Apparently it's the original stage, just 4km shorter.

 

[Eshnar]

I'm glad they're not gonna do that 60 km joke. Finishing at the Pantani monument fits with the purpose of the stage.

 

[Orbit501]

Apparently it's the original stage, just 4km shorter.

I'm glad they're not gonna do that 60 km joke. Finishing at the Pantani monument fits with the purpose of the stage.

Thanks for that. GC fireworks again it is then. Can't wait!

 

[the sceptic]

Santa to go solo on the final climb and make the GC more interesting?

 

[roundabout]

Haha. The guy is a wheelsucker. Solo, haha.

 

[Netserk]

Haha. The guy is a wheelsucker. Solo, haha.

He was on the front as much as Nibali today...

 

[taiwan]

Santa to go solo on the final climb and make the GC more interesting?

Don't think Santa's really going to challenge Nibali - might be a bit starstruck.

Sanchez to awaken from his slumber and put 5' into everybody _o_

 

[Pippo_San]

Well now that finally Santa got his win who knows...he could become an unstoppable mother****er

 

[will10]

I wouldn't put anything past Santambrogio.

 

[Linkinito]

Just looked at the weather, there is a chance of snow at the Mont Cenis tomorrow afternoon. Anyway, the finish at the Pantani Monument is still great. 13.7 km @ 6.5%.

 

[manafana]

santa is no wheel sucker, glad they get most stage in. Also going be some transfer after stage as they would have goen down other side of galbier.

 

[Ferminal]

Breakaway I think...

 

[Parrulo]

Nibali will wait 3 minutes before the line for the second rider on the road and will politely gift him the stage