If a picture paints a thousand words then today could fill a book with words if the TV production crew get it right. The sun is shining, the race heads near the shimmering Mediterranean coast and through the Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” park.
Giro d’Italia
The Spin: Giro Stage 11
A stage for the sprinters, yes. But somehow this is still a unique stage. First it is literally the halfway stage of the three weeks and the mezzogiro or half-Giro point is reached. Next this is the longest stage in the race. It’s also a trip past the homes of many Italian riders, past and present. And there’s also some climbing right at the end to frustrate the sprinters.
The Spin: Giro Stage 10
Today looks to be all about the finish in Assisi. The graphic above shows 15% sections, medieval archways and cobbles. Even if the riders rode up one by won this would look good on TV. But if there’s a bunch heading for the final ramps then expect a fierce battle.
The Spin: Giro Stage 9
It looks flat but look again. The last 10km have a series of short hills that could ruin the hopes of the sprinters or allow a crafty rider to get away whilst the sprint trains try get their wagons back on track.
In particular there are three short ramps and the profile above does not go them justice, the last one is 1.2km long with a gradient of 6%. That’s enough to make the sprinters worry.
The Spin: Giro Stage 7
Today’s stage finishes in Rocca di Cambio, literally the “Rock of Change” and it’s appropriate since this is the first mountain stage of the 2012 Giro d’Italia.
The stage is still classified as “middle mountain” but it’s a hard day and the final climb is long and should be selective enough… if the riders want to test themselves. The final climb is mainly 5-6% but has sections at 10% and the final features a short descent then an uphill sprint to the finish line.
The Spin: Giro Stage 6
Yesterday’s tiny climb near the finish was enough to eject several sprinters. Today’s stage seems relentless up and down roads all day long meaning there’s a good chance the first breakaway of the race will succeed. If no move stays away then it’s likely those contesting the finish are in a select group because the final hour includes some steep climbs and a gravel section too.
Giro Prizes + Classifications
As well as daily podium ceremonies for the stage winner and to award the jerseys there are several other prizes awarded each day.
Now I enjoy pro cycling and like to follow the news but I’ve had to research the extra prizes and ceremonies on offer because they’re not obvious. But if you want to know your team classification from your Superteam or your Fuga from your Fairplay, read on.
The Spin: Giro Stage 5
A straightforward stage in every sense, look at the map and Stage 5 hardly features a corner for hours. The start will involve a small ceremony to celebrate Ferrari, as in Enzo Ferrari the man behind the famous motorcars. The finish loops past the training roads of Marco Pantani but today should be a tribute to the sprinters.
Ramūnas Navardauskas
Ramūnas Navardauskas is not yet a familiar name in the sport but I suspect he’ll become a lot more recognisable now he’s taken the lead in the Giro. He’s 24 years old and rides for Garmin-Barracuda and if you haven’t spotted his name in the results so far, that’s because he’s been an invaluable helper for others on his team.
Here’s a look at his past and a guide to pronouncing his name.
The Spin: Giro Stage 4
Today sees a 33.2km team time trial in and around Verona. The city was used for the finish of the 2010 Giro d’Italia and now it hosts the restart of the race in Italy. But it could finish off the hopes of a few candidates for the overall as the distance is significant. Weak teams can pay a heavy price and the slight mountain climbers will struggle to hold the wheels.