Jose Rujano, Ochao, Serpa are HIGHLY looking to win.
photo: Bettini
Tomorrow starts three weeks of epic racing.
The Herning TT will be flat, hello we're in Denmark!, 8.7 km 90-degree turns somewhat technical. Here's the prologue startlist.
I'm concentrating on the climbers, especially in the third week where four of the six stages will be in the high mountains. I believe it will be the testing (high) ground where the winner will come from, providing they can make it.
Here's my climbers list...
Jean Gradet (Ag2R-La Mondiale) will be in the mix to do better than his third overall from last year. And, the cyclocross champion is here to do so. He likes the no pressure situation and will probably do well because of it. Look for a stage win for the French squad.
The Androni Giocattoli team is one built with climbers. I'm liking Jose Rujano (7th last year) who will have a climbers crew to help him; Serpa Perez, Sella, Rubiano Chavez, Ochoa. When the road goes up the little climber has the legs to put in the hurt to others. Stage win and top 5 placing.
An Italian Giro hero can come from Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF Inox) who convincingly won the Giro del Trentino. A proven climber if he can stay in contention in the final week; fireworks and the Tifosi will have another countryman to scream for.
Joaquim Rodriquez (Katusha) finished 5th last year, is a major climbing threat to do deadly force for podium.
Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda). On my previous post, my thoughts of the Canadian to place in the top 5. Highly motivated to lead the Argyll Armada this is his time to shine in the final week where his mountains await.
Finally, Michelle Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) together with Damiano Cunego will have to prove that he can win at the finish in Milan. A climber and excellent time trialist, paired with Cunego (hopefully on form), the Lampre team has a very good 1-2 punch for podium.
Enjoy the Giro!
Baby, you're so vicious!
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