Can't think of any opening GT stages even remotely comparable to this one. It will probably just be a (heavily?) reduced bunch sprint, though - add a punchy climb in the foothills between San Marino and Rimini and this is a brilliant stage, now it looks similar to a Vosges stage into Mulhouse or Colmar which is not as enticing. Second stage is very nice although San Luca could have been a little closer to the finish line. Third stage is a bit of a shame considering what you can do (and has been done) in Torino but it makes sense considering they'll have to head in to the Alps the day after and the first two days aren't flat. Overall, an intriguing grand départ that could have been stellar with a few tweaks.