Post by: search on May 02, 2022, 08:28
Giro d'Italia - Stage Previews & Discussion - Week 1
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/8dPU4BTMXkNONpYJE0SB_140222-023557.jpg)
| Stage | Type / Difficulty | Date | Start / Finish | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |   | Fri. 06/05 | Budapest - Visegrád | 195 km |
| 2 |  | Sat. 07/05 | Budapest - Budapest | 9.2 km |
| 3 | | Sun. 08/05 | Kaposvár - Balatonfüred | 201 km |
| 4 |  | Tue. 10/05 | Avola - Etna-Nicolosi (Rif. Sapienza) | 172 km |
| 5 | | Wed. 11/05 | Catania - Messina | 174 km |
| 6 | | Thu. 12/05 | Palmi - Scalea (Riviera dei Cedri) | 192 km |
| 7 |  | Fri. 13/05 | Diamante - Potenza | 196 km |
| 8 | | Sat. 14/05 | Napoli - Napoli | 153 km |
| 9 | | Sun. 15/05 | Isernia - Blockhaus | 191 km |
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 02, 2022, 13:24
(same goes for weeks 2 and 3)
Post by: search on May 02, 2022, 14:00
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 02, 2022, 17:12
perfect, thanks! I'll head to Sicily on Thursday (and it's colder there than over here :angry), so won't be able to contribute much for the first week, I guess. But maybe some Giro impressions in the evening, if everything goes to plan :)
Say hello to Taormina for me; one of my favourite places on Earth. I am insanely jealous, but shouldn't be as I will be in Mallorca after the Dauphine.
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 05, 2022, 15:13
Friday, May 6th, 12:20 CET.
Initially, it planned that the opening stage of the 2020 Giro would be a traditional, short ITT. But since Grande Partenza from Budapest was unveiled, the world has experience a global pandemic.
So, here we are in 2022 and instead, the Giro d'Italia begins with a flat stage of 195 kilometres from Budapest to finish on a punchy climb at the castle of Viségrad.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/d4BFfKXR5iI4QACDg8s0_220422-012129.jpg?v=20220422152129)
Leaving Budapest, the peloton will travel in a wide clockwise loop on mostly flat terrain, through the plains north of the capital to the Slovakian border. There are just two intermediate sprints to liven up the early proceedings.
Otherwise, the visual focal point will be the River Danube, which the riders will follow, to the finishing town of Visegrád, situated only 40 kilometres North of Budapest.The finishing line is located at the Citadel which sits above the river, dominating the top of a steep hill above the town.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CtHjECeCp194TW1jV7Y3_220422-012134.jpg?v=20220422152134)
Final Kms:
Once in the centre of Visegrad, the route climbs about 5 km at 5.5% to the imposing citadel. ( the royal castle) The finish climb in the town’s citadel is 5.6 kilometres long and rises at 4.2%, which should prove too difficult for most, if not all of the sprinters.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/JVav2ngDmHe4RvnmuYb4_220422-012127.jpg?v=20220422152127)
Technical Info:
Maybe this stage is the reason why Filippo Ganna will not be present for his home GT, as a puncher is now the most likely candidate to take the first pink jersey. The climb's maximum gradient is 8% for a short stretch, and contains a few hairpins. The home straight is on tarmac road.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Grd5RpGeVzcUOhrJCo5V_220422-012130.jpg?v=20220422152130)
What to expect:
The breakaway tends to form very quickly and should contain a handful (or less) of riders from the wildcard teams. Chances of surviving to the finish would be infinitesimal to non-existent. It will be fast and furious on the approach to the climb, where battle proper will commence.
Favourites 1st stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Alejandro Valverde, Mathieu van der Poel
:*:*:*:* Diego Ulissi, Attila Valter, Andrea Bagioli, Biniam Girmay
:*:*:* Wout Poels, Richard Carapaz, João Almeida Andrea Vendrame, Caleb Ewan
:*:* Vincenzo Albanese, Alessandro Covi, Magnus Cort
:* Lennard Kämna, Giulio Ciccone, Davide Formolo
Budapest
The previously separate towns of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest were officially unified in 1873and given the new name Budapest. The first settlement on the territory of Budapest was built by Celts. Budapest has managed to preserve its historical atmosphere. The central area of Budapest along the Danube River is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first of the must-see sights has to be the Parliament building, designed by Imre Steindl in Gothic Revival style. It is the largest building in the country.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Parlamenti_sz%C3%ADnek.jpg/1920px-Parlamenti_sz%C3%ADnek.jpg)
Visegrád
The symbol of Visegrád, located just over 40 kilometres north of Budapest and one of the most prominent and most photographed sights of the Danube Bend, is the Citadel dominating the top of a steep hill above the town.
From its courtyard, you can admire the wonderful panorama of the Danube Bend – as did several Hungarian kings and their courts.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/nv3VJNkead5Sh0RTCRGc_250222-043237.jpg?v=20220225173237)
Post by: Leadbelly on May 06, 2022, 19:32
No serious injury.
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 06, 2022, 20:57
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 06, 2022, 21:07
Saturday, May 7th, 13:00 BST
The 2nd stage of the 2022 Giro d'Italia is a 9.2 kilometres ITT in the streets of Budapest. The riders will start from Heroes’ Square and the route combines a tour of the city. They will face a short climb that will bring them to the finishing line in front of Matthias Church.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4wDFPDXHrhYr76NSEZZC_220422-015621.jpg?v=20220422155621)
The riders head to the Danube and continue along the river. The route passes the Parliament and turns left to cross the river. After following the Danube, the riders turn right to climb to the old city on Castle Hill. The finish is at Szentháromság tér, or Holy Trinity Square.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/rREq4sKnUhsnbs846HUW_220422-015625.jpg?v=20220422155625)
Final Kms.
The final 1500 m run entirely uphill. Past the intermediate split, the route takes the climb leading to the castle, hitting the maximum gradient (14%) on flagstone. The route then continues at around 4%, taking in a few hairpins.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Kh9qQEUefHSpWi5N4v8W_220422-015632.jpg?v=20220422155632)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ugM3O0CvoKt2rpwADnQV_220422-015630.jpg?v=20220422155630)
Technical Info:
A short ITT on wide and well-paved urban roads, from Pest to Buda. The route takes two U‑turns, the first one upward and the second one downward, when approaching and when leaving the river bank on the Parliament’s side.
The single intermediate time check comes late, at the base of the climb, at 7.3kms.
Favourites 2nd stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
This may well be a stage for the TT specialist, but also it's short enough to perhaps suit a puncheur who can turn in a decent, short effort against the clock.
:*:*:*:*:* Tom Dumoulin,
:*:*:*:* Jan Tratnik??? Matteo Sobrero
:*:*:* João Almeida, Magnus Cort Edoardo Affini
:*:* Thymen Arensman, Alex Dowsett, Tobias Foss
:* Josef Černý, Tobias Ludvigsson, Richie Porte
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 07, 2022, 08:38
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FSFyvPUXsA0uNnx?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://us.v-cdn.net/6030865/uploads/editor/wa/rtfryyaghz4p.png)
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 07, 2022, 18:50
Post by: search on May 07, 2022, 20:09
But what would be really interesting is Sicilian Search's all important split times, as it would give an excellent idea as to who is climbing the best.
Zabel of course, as expected ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/DGQWsNQ.png)
Source: ~pdf Full Result, Page 22 (https://mcusercontent.com/823d3a40b51c82f60f316baa5/files/325f1b94-0498-4a57-7eb2-e7689158b07e/Giro_d_Italia_2022_Stage_2.pdf)
Didn't see if he started with a road bike, but it's actually the 2nd time he wears #blue, after he did the same in the opening ITT two years ago. And he did beat a couple of guys trying to do the same again, by the look of it.
This time it's only because van der Poel has pink, though, who still leads the mountain classification as well.
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 07, 2022, 21:02
Sunday, May 8th, 11:25 BST
A stage around Lake Balaton, the Hungarian sea. The landscape is called the Provence of Hungary.
It is predominantly flat, with a few undulations along the way and a single, minor climb Tihany (GPM4, 2.7 km at 2.5%). A bunch sprint is next to certain.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FynQOObOjMI6xo9NDEhV_220422-043921.jpg?v=20220422183921)
The stage will be one of the longest in the race at 201km. At first, the route approaches the lake on mildly rolling roads. Past Nagykanizsa, the route heads markedly towards the Balaton, undulating all the way to the shore. Skirting along the lakeshore for the final 50 km, the route takes in one last, short climb by the Tihany Abbey. The stage finale is mostly straight, with just a few mild bends.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/B2kZKmWAGcblVwKJkvzE_090322-031109.jpg?v=20220309161109)
Final kms.
The climb tops at 12.6 km to go, but should just barely be noticed by the peloton. The final kilometres are virtually flat. The final 500 metres rise almost imperceptibly all the way to the home straight, on tarmac.(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/V6uWKagwtvmfbm1EimOi_220422-043923.jpg?v=20220422183923)
What to expect
A very small breakaway and a very fast finish. Not much else to be said, other than the scenery around the lake should be nice.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/eX3FSDxKbmuHHfZ33Zis_220422-043930.jpg?v=20220422183930)
Favourites 3rd stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
Caleb Ewan took two sprint vitories in last year’s Giro before he dropped out on stage 8 with a knee injury. The others sprints were won by Tim Merlier and Giacomo Nizzolo. He has 4 Giro stages to his name, Mark Cavendish has 5...
:*:*:*:*:* Caleb Ewan, Mark Cavendish
:*:*:*:* Arnaud Démare, Fernando Gaviria
:*:*:* Giacomo Nizzolo, Phil Bauhaus, Matthew van der Poel
:*:* Biniam Girmay, Jakub Mareczko, Cees Bol, Alberto Dainese
:* Edward Theuns, Simone Consonni, Davide Cimolai, Magnus Cort, Andrea Vendrame
Post by: Leadbelly on May 07, 2022, 21:30
If he doesn't and leaves it for Mareczko, can we assume he'll be withdrawing before the end of the race?
Post by: search on May 07, 2022, 22:37
I guess MVDP will contest the sprint then? Honouring the pink jersey, getting some sprint points and all that.
If he doesn't and leaves it for Mareczko, can we assume he'll be withdrawing before the end of the race?
hard to say. After the stage today he said that he would do the leadout tomorrow, which should still enable him to keep pink. Before the race he has pointed out a number of times that he aims to finish the race, but that the Ciclamino would be no goal for him, unless it turns into one later on.
Not sure it makes sense to go for Kuba anyway, given his record over the past year, and just coming back from injury now - but even if they do, I wouldn't read too much into it. MvdP is yet to complete more than a one-week race, and having to fight for points every day could become a bit too much of an effort, also with the Tour in mind
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 09, 2022, 08:03
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 09, 2022, 08:08
Tuesday, May 10th, 11:25 BST
The race finally enters Italy through Sicily and the Giro first mountain ascent, which is also the first mountaintop finish. This year’s Etna stage finishes on the same place as in 2017, Rifugio Sapienza, but after a different climb. The finish climb, which catagorised first, adds up to 22.8 kilometres and averages just under 6%.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wmVaksMFDCyxta4tLWUJ_230422-080452.jpg?v=20220423100452)
Etna is the most included climb in the recent history of the Giro. This will be the fourth time that the riders ascend the active stratovolcano in the last 6 editions. On all occassions it was a breakaway rider who took the spoils, respectively Jan Polanc (2017), Esteban Chaves (2018) and Jonathan Caicedo (2020). Starting from Avola, on the east coast, the race proceeds inland on a rolling terrain, passing Noto (the capital of Sicilian Baroque), Pantalica and Vizzini. After a descent there follows 50 km of mostly flat roads to approach the volcano. The climb is approached from Biancavilla, on a recently asphalted panoramic route.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/afIe3U4bXlhuqfp253Ss_230422-080451.jpg?v=20220423100451)
Final kms.
The stage finishes by the Rifugio Sapienza. Part of this road is the same as 2018. There is an 8.7% section, ending at around 6 km to go. The last 3 km are on wide and well-paved road. The road winds its way along wide hairpins, mostly on lava fields. There is a mild counterslope with 500 m to go, before the final U-turn (250 m before the finish). Here, the road goes up again along the home stretch (200 m, 3% uphill grade), leading to the finish line, on 7 m wide asphalt road.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/fyYYJKK3AKnS2qabMXuy_270422-041714.jpg?v=20220427181714)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/KTHuSpPw0BljYSmJ3xc4_230422-080449.jpg?v=20220423100449)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/WBKxFHuTmJoaQ2yotBlc_230422-080458.jpg?v=20220423100458)
What to expect
By stage 4, time gaps should still be pretty small, so maybe this time the breakaway will not succeed. However, it's quite possible that a few will have targeted this stage, so when looking for breakaway candidates, look to see who has deliberately lost time
So re we going to see a GC clash this early in the race? It remains to be seen. As we have seen in recent editions, much will depend upon the wind.
Favourites 4th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Simon Yates, Joao Almeida
:*:*:*:* Richard Carapaz, Miguel Ángel López, Mikel Landa
:*:*:* Romain Bardet, Wout Poels
:*:* Vincenzo Nibali, Lennard Kämna, Pavel Sivakov, David de la Cruz
:* Koen Bouwman, Thomas De Gendt, Rein Taaramäe, Guillaume Martin
(https://static.euronews.com/articles/stories/05/41/12/24/1440x810_cmsv2_4f82ee1a-94de-5c12-a69a-c5b3de5e81a9-5411224.jpg)
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on May 09, 2022, 13:27
It would be nice to see Ponomar do something prominent in a Ukrainian flag kit on a statement stage, but at least the breakaway should be something other than the Drone Hopper Duo Normand training run.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 09, 2022, 20:02
Pretty woeful stuff from IPT yesterday. Surely a DS should have said in his ear "You only need to get second place at the KoM - don't waste energy".
Bigger fish and all that. Zabel was then notably absent in the finale. Chasing the jersey on the TT stage was all well and good and a bit of a laugh no doubt, but really they should be leaving this sort of thing to the PCT outfits[1].
| 1. | Which could be where the team is headed! |
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on May 10, 2022, 07:43
Post by: Slow Rider on May 10, 2022, 09:51
I feel like I am posting to three of us here. Yesterday's results before tomorrow's stage.
You're not, I'm reading your previews every day here. I just don't have the time at the moment to really engage on the forum, but I do really appreciate the previews and results. So thank you for that!
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 10, 2022, 18:14
A lot of people thought Lennard Kämna would win the stage and so he did.
Many people remained scepital towards Tom Dumoulin's GC chances and so it proved.
The consensus was that Etna would fail to erupt and so it turned out.
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 10, 2022, 18:20
Wednesday, May 11th, 10:30 BST
A very early start today, so that the riders can transfer to the mainland and get to their hotels at a reasonable time. Stage 5 follows exactly the same route of the Giro 2020, stage 4, until km 37.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/9HZELVZWy4ua9Y8Bk5wb_230422-085825.jpg?v=20220423105825)
Starting in Catania, the riders will go through rolling terrain for the first 50 km, mostly following the coastline. Just before the town of Taormina they will turn inland and the main climb of the day. The top is reached at 99 km to go. The descent is 25 km long, very fast with wide roads. After that, the final 75 km are all flat, with the last 55 directly along the coast in a predominantly Easterly direction.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1qHXhUdTZVOY5S1C5a7l_230422-085830.jpg?v=20220423105830)
Portella Mandrazzi: GPM3, 19.6 km at 4%
(https://www.cyclingcols.com/profiles/MandrazziS.gif)
Final Kms.
About 4 km from the finish, the race leaves the state road to enter the town of Messina, along wide city avenues for the first part downhill and then go up again up to 1500 m. This is followed by a short descent and the last bend is 800 m from the finish.
Final straight of 800 m, 7.5 m wide flat on asphalt.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/UAf2r3RwrM7Di6ALnw2X_230422-085827.jpg?v=20220423105827)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sxGlqEUL1NG2cAGpu18m_230422-085832.jpg?v=20220423105832)
What to expect:
Breakaway territory with the large, strategically placed lump. Not too difficult to control, so a probable mass sprint or perhaps (praying to the wind gods here) even echelons.
Two years ago, a group of dropped sprinters who lost contact on the Portella Mandrazzi chased invain on the flat to Villafranca Tirrena. Obviously, the good news for dropped riders is that there are 32 more kilometres to regain contact with the peloton this time.
Favourites 5th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Caleb Ewan, Mark Cavendish
:*:*:*:* Arnaud Démare, Fernando Gaviria
:*:*:* Giacomo Nizzolo, Matthew van der Poel, Biniam Girmay
:*:* Phil Bauhaus, Cees Bol, Alberto Dainese
:* Edward Theuns, Simone Consonni, Davide Cimolai, Magnus Cort, Andrea Vendrame
Post by: search on May 10, 2022, 21:47
Many people remained scepital towards Tom Dumoulin's GC chances and so it proved.
can't say he looked much better 10 minutes after :shh
(https://i.imgur.com/BjoSkik.jpg)
Taaramachine storming in was basically the only other cycling pic of relevance I took
(https://i.imgur.com/v254kuJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SOevOdg.jpg)
The consensus was that Etna would fail to erupt and so it turned out.
apart from the cycling, it's really cool up there, though. But staying for ~10 hours is maybe a tad too long ;)
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 11, 2022, 19:08
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 11, 2022, 19:15
Thursday, May 12th, 11:35 BST
The route is undemanding, and winds its way on a wide roadway along the ss. 18 trunk road, with just a few tunnels along the course. The long yet mild climb leading from Mileto to the Razza airport in Vibo Valentia (GPM4, 3.8 km at 4.2%) is the only impediment along the route.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/akCozg47u660twMhAloa_230422-091854.jpg?v=20220423111854)
The stage running almost entirely along the coast. After starting in Palmi, the riders will head north throughout the day. The coast itself is not entirely flat, but there are no serious climbs.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/rtA9C6PDGpFhKilwHreI_230422-091900.jpg?v=20220423111900)
Final kms.
The route enters urban Scalea for the stage finale, which is raced on wide, straight and well-paved roads, with one last roundabout at the ‑3 km mark. The home straight is on tarmac road.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jHRgWbM8d4pWKUctzKMi_230422-091855.jpg?v=20220423111855)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/s8ZXrCiN3TqRwv1ZqIlZ_230422-091902.jpg?v=20220423111902)
What to Expect.
There seems little chance on anything other than a bunch sprint, here, so expect a low quality break to form from the flag drop, with the peloton happy to sit up. Then it will be Thomas de Gendt and Pieter Serry holding the leash.
Favourites 5th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Caleb Ewan, Mark Cavendish
:*:*:*:* Arnaud Démare, Fernando Gaviria
:*:*:* Biniam Girmay, Phil Bauhaus, Matthew van der Poel
:*:* Giacomo Nizzolo, Cees Bol, Alberto Dainese
:* Edward Theuns, Simone Consonni, Davide Cimolai, Magnus Cort, Andrea Vendrame
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 12, 2022, 18:59
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 12, 2022, 19:54
Friday, May 13th, 10:40 BST
Friday the 13th...............and potentially a date with a stage that could do real damage to an individual's GC hopes.
Although classed as a medium mountain stage, travels from Diamante to Potenza and takes in a whopping elevation gain of 4,510 metres. Montagna Grande di Viggiano, although categorised as a two, is a very tough climb, always very steep and with many two-digits ramps.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wo47reksrIaudyzC5Sxs_240422-075257.jpg?v=20220424095257)
Heading North, the only flat kilometres are the first 40. This section leads along the Golfo di Policastro and once the route turns inland the road goes either up or down for the rest of the day. Past Maratea, the route undulates continuously, with milder or harsher gradients. Even after the finish of the official climbs, the route, continues to undulate all the way to Potenza.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/nRnw8JqMMRdYKi8f5VJC_240422-075302.jpg?v=20220424095302)
Technical Info.
The Climbs:
Passo Colla: GPM3, 9.3 km at 4.5%
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RL5H4eMzJLwrUPWZc4GG_240422-075304.jpg?v=20220424095304)
Monte Sirino: GPM1, 24.4 km at 3.8%
Not seen in the Giro since 1999, from this side is long and very irregular.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/awFWeHFpMYNlBgKbtrDg_270422-042002.jpg?v=20220427182002)
Montagna Grande di Viggiano: GPM2, 6.6 km at 9.1%
Were this climb in the Tour, it would be considered a hard GPM1.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Se3Y9AkxbO4hSNGC2BT3_240422-075306.jpg?v=20220424095306)
La Sellata: GPM3, 7.8 km at 5.9%
In it's own, nothing special, but after all that climbing, it could be hard enough for a GC hopeful to launch a serious attack.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/0ClEZwBAZflmUy0pSVjb_270422-042006.jpg?v=20220427182006)
Final kms.
The final kilometres are raced entirely on urban roads. The route runs uphill across the inner city, with sharp gradients at points, and then descends along wide and well-paved avenues. There is a short tunnel at the ‑2 km marker, leading into the finish avenue. The last 350 m have an average 8% gradient, topping out at 13%. The finish sits on tarmac.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/b4a5rjpLUn7aBYiB9Nnh_240422-075259.jpg?v=20220424095259)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/g037q0wOkFAK3DGe4DP2_240422-075307.jpg?v=20220424095307)
What to expect:
Tough to call. Probably some very good climbers will try to make it into the break, in order to start their campaign for the Maglia Azzurra, but any contender who has already lost time, might also what to get up the road, as this stage might go to the breakaway........or not.
Favourites 7th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* No one, since this is pin in the startlist time.
:*:*:*:* Wout Poels, Bauke Mollema
:*:*:* Mauro Schmid, Attila Valter, Alessandro de Marchi, David de la Cruz, Magnus Cort
:*:* Thomas De Gendt, Alessandro Covi, Lennard Kämna, Rein Taaramäe, Mauri Vansevenant
:* Nans Peters, Lilian Calmejane, Valerio Conti, Harm Vanhoucke + anyone you fancy.
Post by: LukasCPH on May 13, 2022, 00:28
Seems to have been a great one to miss.It was, apparently. I watched the last 15 km and still saw the peloton in rest day mode before the sprint preparation began.
Final kms.The actual final was considerable more chaotic than that map makes it look like. Lots of small direction changes, including a ~150° turn with 400 metres to go which left the finish line out of sight until just then.
The route enters urban Scalea for the stage finale, which is raced on wide, straight and well-paved roads, with one last roundabout at the ‑3 km mark. The home straight is on tarmac road.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/jHRgWbM8d4pWKUctzKMi_230422-091855.jpg?v=20220423111855)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/s8ZXrCiN3TqRwv1ZqIlZ_230422-091902.jpg?v=20220423111902)
Démare was passed by Ewan and Cav, then found a second wind to come past them again just in time. Bini the best of the rest after freelancing for the final kilometre - get the man a leadout!
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 13, 2022, 07:24
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_lossy/https://bucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/d5d3d8e8-d596-482e-9ee7-d95060b898be_960x545.gif)
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 13, 2022, 21:20
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 13, 2022, 21:27
Saturday, May 14th, 12:35 BST
This challenging and intense stage, raced entirely on urban roads, sets off passing over the finish line. Past Bacoli, the riders will cover the Monte di Procida circuit (19 km) four times. The lumpy route adds up to 149 kilometres. Italy's third largest city hasn't seen the Giro visit since the Grande Partenza of 2013. Then, the 1st stage was a criterium race and Mark Cavendish turned out on top.
This years stage is also a city criterium, only much hillier.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Crly5ZSq7Lalqr4CxJjl_240422-080905.jpg?v=20220424100905)
The riders will start in the city, then head west along a wide counterclockwise loop.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Crly5ZSq7Lalqr4CxJjl_240422-080905.jpg?v=20220424100905)
The route climbs up the Posillipo hill, heading to Bacoli and taking a loop along the coast. After approximately 50 kilometres, they reach the circuit in Monte di Procida, which is to be repeated 4 times. The circuit is 19 km long and features a categorized climb, Monte di Procida (GPM4, 2.1 km at 6%)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cMmnN9Wy7C718kQXQZ4H_240422-080914.jpg?v=20220424100914)
Final kms
The stage gets back to Napoli using the most of the same roads as before, consisting of some rough terrain and a small climb topping at 8 km to go
The last 3 pan-flat kilometres run eastwards along the Via Dohrn and Via Caracciolo. At the last km, the route takes a U‑turn at a roundabout, and returns along the Via Caracciolo all the way to the finish. The home straight (900 m) is on tarmac.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PZ3Eqa3uAX0IlGYkHfwc_280422-092536.jpg?v=20220428112536)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/xn5Yt5YGfA30PQcyFDkv_240422-080916.jpg?v=20220424100916)
What to Expect.
The Naples stage at this Giro includes a series of short and sharp hills. Which makes it perfect for riders with good credentials in the hilly Classics. There will be very little to be gained for GC riders, so the breakaway will likely be given enough leash to succeed.
Favourites 8th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Mathieu van der Poel, Biniam Girmay
:*:*:*:* Magnus Cort, Diego Ulissi
:*:*:* Andrea Vendrame, Valerio Conti, Jhonatan Narváez
:*:* Mattias Skjelmose, Vincenzo Albanese,
:* Ben Tulett, Mauri Vansevenant, Attila Valter
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 14, 2022, 18:48
Post by: Mellow Velo on May 14, 2022, 18:54
Sunday, May 15th, 11:35 CET
Here we go, the second weekend ends with the Giro's first 5 star rated stage, across the Apennines, with a 5,000 m elevation gain and includes a double ascent of Blockhaus. The Blockhaus was first included on the 1967 Giro d’Italia with Eddy Merckx powering to his first stage win in a Grand Tour. The fun begins right at the starting town of Isernia, where the riders will immediately climb the first climb of the day.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Nj8bi0FkCRuCZyENin3X_240422-085033.jpg?v=20220424105033)
The road will keep undulating until the town of Pretoro, at 54 km to go. The riders will head south towards the Majella massif, where they will tackle the first ascent of the Passo Lanciano (GPM1, 10.3 km at 7.6%) The descent is along a much steeper road, but it is not very technical. At 27 km to go, the road will rise yet again gently (around 4-5%) up until Roccamorice, where the final intermediate sprint is located and the final climb of the Blockhaus starts. (GPM1, 13.6 km at 8.4%)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/OvNWTrizc3evV5n3MfJp_240422-085038.jpg?v=20220424105038)
The Main Climbs:
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mLuUUA8sAy9LVWPs0uJj_240422-085042.jpg?v=20220424105042)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/eXqellN7GwPJklipbYpH_270422-043518.jpg?v=20220427183518)
Final kms
The last 13 km go up steadily on narrow road, with several hairpins. Gradients are over 9% for almost 10 km, with peaks reaching as high as 14%. There is a very short countersloping stretch 500 m before the finish. The home straight (200 m long, on 6-m wide tarmac) has an uphill gradient of approx. 8%.
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/kAvgkpuMIkcl7lM8qkSR_240422-085035.jpg?v=20220424105035)
(https://static2.giroditalia.it/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/7ySgLAjbGRFZ77qlNfPB_240422-085044.jpg?v=20220424105044)
What to expect:
Expect the serious contenders for the Maglia Azzurra to show their hand as there are a lot of points available throughout the stage. However, Blockhaus being one of the toughest climbs in this edition, ( In 2017, this finish defined the race) we can also expect a full on GC battle, which should bring to the fore the real contenders and relegate the pretenders.
As for the sprinters, with that punishing climb coming so early in the stage, they face a battle for survival that I am afraid for some may prove too much.
Favourites 9th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
:*:*:*:*:* Simon Yates
:*:*:*:* Mikel Landa, Richard Carapaz
:*:*:* Romain Bardet, Pello Bilbao
:*:* Wilco Kelderman, Richie Porte, João Almeida, Hugh Carthy
:* Wout Poels, Jai Hindley, Thymen Arensman
Post by: Leadbelly on May 15, 2022, 06:58
Shame I'm gonna miss it.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 16, 2022, 09:57
Everybody looked very human on the climb and while Bardet, Landa and Carapaz looked slightly better today than the other three, on another day it could be different. Should be an entertaining race going forward from a competition point of view.
Post by: search on May 16, 2022, 13:35
I took the wrong train out of Napoli on Saturday, btw, so ended up in the middle of nowhere instead of at the Giro circuit, which was a bit of a shame. Wasting two hours that way, the only option was to head to the finish instead then, so my Giro in the end only consisted of the two stage finishes at the Etna and in Napoli (+1 minute of the peloton going through when it passed close to my holiday home on day #5). It was cool to grab of the Giro flair again after a couple of years, but as usual at those finishes, they are crowded and you spend most time waiting for not seeing much in the end.
Didn't take too many pictures at the Giro, but here's at least some evidence I was there ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/wHd7C2L.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/AnGZqcF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/731IdYg.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/sxAQgkB.jpg)