A long hot day across the desert before a likely sprint finish in Eilat to conclude the Giro’s visit to Israel.
Giro Stage 2 Preview
A likely sprint finish awaits, one of the rare chances for the sprinters in a race with few opportunities and consequently few sprinters. There’s a good chance of the first Italian stage win too.
Froome and the Giro’s Risk
As mentioned in the post looking at the overall contenders, to cite Chris Froome is to mention his ongoing case with the UCI following the adverse analytical finding for salbutamol in the Vuelta. While all riders have to watch out for the climbs, descents, corners, bad weather and more over the next three weeks Chris Froome runs the added risk of being taken out of the race by a tribunal or seeing his result disqualified after the race finishes in Rome, an obvious concern for the event itself too. The probability of these events is unknown but the risk exists which is awkward.
Giro Stage 1 Preview
We’ll return to the politics, propaganda, business, appearance fees, anti-doping tribunals and more in the coming days but it’s sometimes important to remember the Giro is a bike race too. It begins with a time trial through the streets of Jerusalem and already the contenders for the overall classification in three weeks’ time face a big test of their form. For others it’s the chance to win big, to take the stage and wear the maglia rosa for several days.
The Giro d’Italia Contenders
Who is going to win the Giro d’Italia? It’d be boring if we all knew today and hopefully the race brings a few surprises along the way. Here’s a closer look at the contenders for the maglia rosa ahead of the start on Friday.
Giro d’Italia Guide
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.
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.