Not for the faint of heart...
Passo del Stevio, Cima Coppi - 9045 ft
If there is one theme in the Giro d'ltalia it is always exciting. Granted the organizers bill it as 'a more humane Giro' fewer transfers, shorter stages and three rest days. The mountains will be the flashpoint. There will be 9 uphill finishes - 5 summit finishes in the high mountains. It will also be a race of honoring the 10th anniversary of the death of Marco Pantani. Stage 15-Plan to Montecampione will be the official 'Montagna Pantani' in remembrance for his 1998 stage victory. Without Vincenzo Nibali to defend his 2013 title, the race will be wide open.
via romagnano.it
The climbers will rule or falter...
Key stages await; stage 16 - Val Martello; triple hell of Passo Gavia, Passo dell Stelvio (Cima Coppi) before the climb to the finish at 2059 metres. Then more is less with the rugged climbs to the finish at Rifugio Panarotta. The steep Monte Grappa mountain time trial. And, lastly to cast any doubt of the winner is the grande finale on the brutal Zoncolan. Surely, the Colombian climbers will benefit here, in the latter stages of the Corsa Rosa, and will do much damage - Fabio Duarte, Julian Arredondo, Rigoberto Uran and Nairo Quintana. Then, one cannot rule out Purito Rodriguez and the on-form Cadel Evans from challenging for the top spot. So, I'll predict my winner for the overall will be the experience man of stage races, Giro del Trentino winner and 2011 Tour winner - Cadel Evans.
Waiting in the wings to fly...
I enjoy a beer or two, so here is the Wookie going back to the team car for a 'cold one'...
Could this be part of a new trend in the peloton?
Happy 125th to Mavic...
There when you need them.
Comments