Every sponsor of this site gets a note of thanks and it’s now time to say thanks to travel company Velo Veneto who are here for May. The company offers a range of trips to Italy and beyond with a focus on the Dolomites.
Giro Stage 13 Preview
The longest stage of the Giro, today has a few hills and steep, twisting descents packed into the end to disrupt the sprinters and make the TV more lively.
Despite the flat profile, today’s stage is a historical, gastronomical and cultural route where Coppi and Bartali, truffles and Nutella, Verdi and Conte can be found.
Giro Stage 12 Preview
Three sharp climbs are like hurdles on an athletics track, they shouldn’t stop the sprinters but somebody could still trip up along the way.
But the real obstacles lie closer to the finish, including a narrow bridge in the final kilometre.
Ag2r out of Dauphiné and Tour de Suisse?
Lampre-Merida too?
One year ago Ag2r’s Sylvain Georges stood on the podium in California, this morning he quit the Giro after an “Adverse Analytical Finding” for Heptaminol, a banned substance.
It’s curious to see the UCI announce the news after the A-sample only has been tested and, because it’s a “specified substance,” Georges could get any ban reduced.
But perhaps the most interesting thing is that under a new code the French team could be out of the Dauphiné and Tour of Switzerland, ruining its preparation for the Tour de France. And Lampre too?
Giro Stage 11 Preview
An uphill finish but one that avoids many of the tough climbs in the region. Today’s stage will almost feel flat after yesterday, at least there are two regular climbs to roll up rather than winch up.
With the climbers having their chance yesterday and tomorrow looking like a sprint finish, here’s a chance for the breakaway raiders to win.
Roy de la Montagne
Last week FDJ riders Jérémy Roy, Thibaut Pinot and Alexandre Geniez went to Mont Ventoux and the Alps to check out the route of several crucial Tour de France stages.
Jérémy Roy kept a diary and you can read about the training camp below which covers the technical aspects such as bike choice for the Tour de France’s tricky mountain time trial, videos of the descents and Strava files but also more light-hearted elements such as fooling around with cyclotourists, a night spent sharing the same blanket as Thibaut Pinot, high altitude pizzas and more.
Giro Stage 10 Preview
The first summit finish of the race. It’s not the high Alps but what this stage lacks in high altitude it makes up for in vicious vertical gain on the final climb where 20% slopes await.
Do we get a showdown amongst the GC candidates or will they sit tight? Normally a grand tour prompts conservatism but this Giro is doing the opposite and on such steep slopes it’s inevitable that the “fight for pink” sees many going into the red.
Giro Rest Day Wrap
Enjoyed the first week? Vincenzo Nibali’s had a great time but everyone else watching as well should have found this a great start to the race. Sometimes rest days are impatient moments but this time it feels like it’s worth having a break before the race starts again tomorrow with a severe summit finish.
Sunday Shorts
Nibali’s Aero Gains – Spanish Mussels – Oval Chainrings: Froome vs Wiggins – World Team Time Trial Championships FAQ – Uran’s Monaco move – Wiggins Descending
Vincenzo Nibali’s time trial surprised many but he’s been working hard on his time trial skills. The photo above shows him in the Montechiari velodrome and look and you can see the telemetry box under his saddle to beam data to trackside technicians. In fact La Gazzetta reports he’s surrounded himself with team of professionals.
Giro Stage 9 Preview
Another day, another jagged profile? Stage 9 sees the race tackle more climbs as the race rides along the spine of Italy’s Apennine mountains but the climbs are more linear and predictable thanks to regular grades and reasonable descents.
A day for a breakaway as the race reaches the stunning city of Florence with its history, art and cycling heritage.