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.
You might have heard of Piaggio, the Italian scooter manufacturer and its “Vespa” model. Two wheeled transport is very popular in Italy, especially with smaller 50 and 125cc engines. The countryside is often hilly, towns and villages are never far away, and frequent good weather all combine to make this mode of transport very practical and suitable.
If vespa is Italian for wasp, then note ape means bee, you say “ah-pay”. It’s this that gives its name to the Piaggio Ape, a three wheeled scooter with a flatbed at the back that’s part utility vehicle, part tuk-tuk. These are quintessentially Italian and should you ride in Italy you’ll see one of these buzzing along the roads.
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 victory salute is universal. The rider crosses the line and lifts their arms in triumph. But what lies behind this movement, is it something we do in imitation of others or is it a primal form of expression? Why punch the air or wave your hands?
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.
Italy has mountains running down its spine from north to south so when the weekend comes and the organisers want to pump the viewing figures they just need to head inland to find ski stations, long climbs and steep finishes.
Today is no exception with the finish in the small ski station of Laceno just 4.4km after the top of the Colle Molella, a climb with double-digit percentage gradients.
In addition to the preview there’s also a look back at the lessons from yesterday’s first summit finish.
There’s been a big focus on the Giro this week and no wonder given it’s the second biggest race on the calendar, with an open list of contenders, some good scenery and a variety of chances. But there’s been plenty more happening during the past week and more to come in the days ahead.
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.
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.
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.