Giro d' Italia 2014

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The finishing climb to Montecassino doesn't look hard/steep enough for someone like Rodriguez to do damage. It's 8.5km long at an average of 5.2%.

 

If the inevetable breakaway doesn't stay away then I think it might come down to another mass sprint to the line.

 

Hmm, maybe but its a long stage as well, cant see Matthews in the mix here, I would favour a GC contender trying something here, maybe Evans, seems he is itching for a stage.

[tombeej]

Hmm, maybe but its a long stage as well, cant see Matthews in the mix here, I would favour a GC contender trying something here, maybe Evans, seems he is itching for a stage.

 

Agreed, this stage is more suited for Evans than Purito. Also, BMC are also a strong team and I think that's going to play a role on Montecassino. If the A-team for the Skyborgs were here, this would be their ideal stage: put everyone on the front at the bottom of the climb and ride a crushing tempo to stop any attacks. So I won't be surprised to see similar tactics from Movistar/BMC/OGE.

 

It's going to be a hard day for the domestiques in the big teams, I'm sure.

['Dale]

Agreed, give Purito some 10 % and up gradients to dent the GC ladder

[ScottCM]

After 24km of the race there is a 4 man breakaway M. BANDIERA (26), E. ZARDINI (39), R. TORRES AGUDELO (72), A. FEDI (136)

[ScottCM]

After 27km their lead is 10Min25Sec, rain expected

[ScottCM]

After 40km the lead was 11Min 08Sec

 

After 46km the lead was 12min

[ScottCM]

G. CECCHINEL did not start the stage, 60km complete

[ScottCM]

gap steady at 14Min after 61km, Avg speed after 1st hour racing is 41.5km/h

Edited May 15, 2014 by ScottC-M

[ScottCM]

72km gap still at 14min

[ScottCM]

after 2 hours the avg speed has dropped to 38.3km/h

[ScottCM]

75km : The advantage of the escapees has fallen to little more than 10 minutes

[ScottCM]

84 Km :The peleton pulled by Orica and Sky have reduced the deficit to just 8 minutes

[ScottCM]

Avg speed after 3 hours of racing 37.6km/h

 

with the gap at 8Min 40Sec

 

Orica still at the front of the peleton

Edited May 15, 2014 by ScottC-M

[ScottCM]

Just about half way, 123km done and the gap is at 9 Min

['Dale]

The jersey wearers today are Michael Matthews (pink and white), Elia Viviani (red) and Maarten Tjallingii (blue).

['Dale]

Today is a day of firsts at the Giro. It is the first time the Sassano and Montecassino have been stage towns at the race. The short climb at the finish has a restored Abbey at the top, which should make for a beautiful backdrop.