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Giro Rosa
Preview |
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Yesterday there was little action
for the first 50km but then a big break got away. 15 riders to
start with, before a number eventually fell off the pace. With
3km five remained - Van Vleuten, Berlato, Schweizer,
Scandolara & Cromwell were all that was left. Cromwell was the
first to drop back and Scandolara followed. The duo by all
accounts had been doing a lot of work to keep the break away
and paid the price. Hagiwara was able to join the break making
four leaders. The winner of the prologue Annemieke Van Vleuten
got away solo to take her first stage win.
Race leader Marianne Vos was the top finisher from the peloton
in 5th making it another win for Rabo with two riders in the
top 5. Of course they are still dominating the GC as well with
three in the top four and four in the top eight.
The race manual says today is a sprint stage but based on what
we have seen so far that is not at all certain. Add in the
climb with only 9km to go and more doubts arise. Not to
mention the first 80km are run along the coast. So sprint?
Well we will see.
The Route
The first 80km of the stage are almost plan flat. From here
though things get much more difficult. The Road gradually
rises for around 25km before the only GPM of the day actually
starts. The di Via Macerata (cat 3 climb) tops out around 9km
from the finish. The short and sharp climb will likely see
attacks fly from the peloton.
Rabo have dominated the early part of the race and many teams
will no doubt hope to use the final climb to launch an attack.
The only problem there is Rabo have arguably four of the best
riders in the race to do just that. Much of the final 9km are
downhill and Vos and Ferrand-Prevot are two of the best there.
The road flattens with around 3km to go before the final 1.5km
kicks up slightly.
If the finish wasn't hard enough the action could have started
well before. The flat opening 80km are on the coast. If there
is any wind it could cause echelons and be a long day for
some. Orica-AIS is certain to take advantage of even the
slightest breeze. Just remember how they race at the Tour of
Qatar, Rabo as well will join forces.
The Contenders
What will happen lets look at two scenarios. First Solo moves
or a select group.
Rabo
Again they are the favourites with probably four riders who
could win. They have not just Vos, Van der Breggen and
Ferrand-Prevot but Van Vleuten could also do something today.
After spending most of the day in the break Van Vleuten took
her 2nd win of the race. It will probably have taken it out of
her legs but don't discount her posting another good result.
Despite Vos having one of the fastest kicks they may not be
content to have it come down to a reduced bunch sprint. Expect
Rabo to be aggressive on the climb. The opening flat 80km are
run right on the coast with wind potentially a big issue.
Again expect Rabo to take advantage of that.
Sprint from a reduced group or attacking on the climb Rabo
have it covered.
Emma Johansson and Katrin Garfoot
Johansson will like today, a climb before the finish could
reduce the group making her fast finish very dangerous.
Orica-AIS have a strong team with Spratt, Gillow and Garfoot
likely to on the attack on the final climb. If it comes down
to a sprint from a group of 10 or less expect Johansson to be
on the podium. Garfoot again is a wildcard but expect her try
to something.
Ashleigh Moolman and Elisa Longo Borghini
Hitec have been aggressive and at the front on every road
stage so far. As a result Longo Borghini and Moolman are in a
good position on GC. The question they like everyone else will
be asking is how do we beat Rabo?
Other names to watch: Claudia Hausler, Megan Guarnier,
Katarzyna Pawlowska, Evelyn Stevens, Peta Mullens and Fabiana
Luperini.
Finally a sprint. The stage is marked as one but there is a
big question if we will see one. The teams of Orica-AIS
especially and Wiggle Honda and Ale Cipollini have the
strength to pull back a move. But With only 9km to go much
downhill there will be little time. If a sprinter is to win it
will likely be one who climbs well.
Giorgia Bronzini
The two time World Champion climbs well and has already proven
she is the fastest in the race when it comes to a bunch
sprint. Beating Vos isn't easy even for a sprinter but
Bronzini took the win on stage 2. Support from Mullens in the
finish will be crucial.
Mel Hoskins
Has been climbing better than she ever has. Orica-AIS have the
best lead out train in the race. They lost control in the
final km on stage 2 but with the finish the way it is wont be
leading as long today. If Hoskins is there and has the legs on
the back of the lead out will be on the podium and fighting
for the win.
Shelley Olds
Olds is another sprinter who climbs well. Had a
well-marshalled train on stage 2 but didn't quite have the
speed to beat Bronzini and Vos. Beat Bronzini to win the GP
Comune di Cornaredo earlier in the year.
Other names to watch: Peta Mullens, Barbara Guarischi, Chloe
Hosking, Amy Pieters, Jolien D'Hoore. Plus Marianne Vos, Emma
Johansson, Annemieke Van Vleuten, Carmen Small, Tiff Cromwell
and Trixi Worrack.
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