Here’s a simple and accessible Giro d’Italia guide which starts on Friday. There’s a concise preview of every stage below as well as explainers on the rules for the mountains and points competitions; TV guide and more.
Month: April 2018
The Moment Liège-Bastogne-Liège Was Won
A solo win for Bob Jungels, another team win for Quick Step. He took flight just over the top of the Côte de la Roche aux Faucons and nobody else could or would go with him.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège Preview
A duel between Alejandro Valverde and Julian Alaphilippe? The two have been rivals in the Ardennes ever since the 2015 edition and now Alaphilippe has to cope with the pressure and expectation. Meanwhile there’s a long list of contenders and pretenders, ranging from guest appearances by the likes of Vincenzo Nibali to those looking to salvage something from their spring like Michał Kwiatkowski
The Moment The Flèche Wallonne Was Won
Julian Alaphilippe surges past Jelle Vanendert with Alejandro Valverde several metres behind, in the picture but for once out of contention. The Flèche has a new winner in Julian Alaphilippe although almost an old hand given he’s been on the podium here twice before. It was a good edition of a race that had become cycling’s equivalent of a repeat edition.
Flèche Wallonne Preview
The Route: 198.5km and that wall. It’s a 197km warm-up and then the world hill climb championships. After a start in Seraing the race heads south and then loops around some of this Sunday’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège route including the climb of La Redoute before heading west to Huy. The Mur de Huy is tackled three times … Read more
Tour of the Alps Website
The Tour of the Alps started today, a tune-up race ahead of the Giro d’Italia and a start list to match. It’s worth it alone for the stunning scenery but has something that many other races do not: a good website. It’s actually remarkable enough to dwell on for a moment.
Amstel Gold Race Preview
Beer, sunshine and bike racing, all in front of huge crowds. The Amstel Gold Race marks the change from the flat classics to the hillier races and it’s a moment in the year when the likes of Peter Sagan and Alejandro Valverde go head to head. Here’s a race preview with the usual look at the course, contenders, TV times and more.
The Giro d’Italia Contenders
Three weeks to the Giro d’Italia and if the start itself feels like a stunt too far there’s still a race behind it so here’s a quick look at where the contenders are at. The Tour of the Alps runs from Monday to Friday next week and will give us a better look at their form so ahead of all of this here’s the chance to look back at results, issues, contractual concerns and more.
The Cobbled Classics Revelations
Quick Step and Peter Sagan stole the headlines in the cobbled classics. Now the season continues but in a different gear as the sport progresses to hillier one day races and the summer season of stage races. But who else impressed? Here’s a look at the younger revelations in the spring classics.