The 100th Giro d'Italia

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Stage 4  »  Cefalù › Etna  (181k)

 

http://www.laterradeisogni.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/etna-da-visitare.jpg

The first Mountaintop finish and potential for the first major GC shake-up, although it remains to be seen whether the main contenders will want to show their hands so early, and thus be forced into defending the jersey for close to three weeks.

The other scenario sees a large break of decent climbers and puncheurs from stage-hunting teams go away early an be whittled down over the first climb (topping out around 90k from the finish) before a solo rider takes the win, and potentially the pink jersey.

The final climb is around 7.5% a lot of the way up, with steeper sections lower down and a lower gradients near the top (as well as a slight flattening out). That means that, as long as the pace isn't too hot) any one of a few second-tier climbers or riders from the break could take the win.
 

Top favourites Quintana and Nibali might not win stage 4. Perhaps they won’t want to defend the jersey so early in the race, either.

No matter who claims the day’s honors, any legitimate team leader should be near the front on the first summit finish. If a GC hopeful such as Pinot or Mollema loses more than a minute on Etna, they might consider hitting the panic button and asking their team PR person to distribute the “He’s going for stage wins” press release. Aspiring climbers who come to the bottom of the final climb with the lead group might have an opportunity to shine if the overall contenders choose to ride defensively and mark each other’s moves.

 

http://www.procyclingstats.com/races/profilesmaps/201704/original/giro-ditalia-2017-stage-4-1493201887.jpg

Climbing the Volcano:

http://cdn.cyclingstage.com/images/giro-italy/2017/stage-4-etna.jpg
http://cdn.cyclingstage.com/images/giro-italy/2017/stage-4-1km.jpg

[Chris_]

Isn't it great seeing someone so happy when they win a race!

 

Too often the usual suspects take a win and just seem too go through the motions. But this really was great to watch. Reminds you just how prestigious this race is.

[Cav']

Trek Segafredo's team bus just making a tight corner:

[Cav']

Isn't it great seeing someone so happy when they win a race!

 

Too often the usual suspects take a win and just seem too go through the motions. But this really was great to watch. Reminds you just how prestigious this race is.

Yeah for sure, the fact that he's only 22 plays a big role.

Gavaria is also out of contract end of 2017 will be interesting to see if he'll stick with quickstep or go somewhere else.

[Pure Savage]

Trek Segafredo's team bus just making a tight corner:

Between a rock and a hard place.

[Pure Savage]

Yeah for sure, the fact that he's only 22 plays a big role.

Gavaria is also out of contract end of 2017 will be interesting to see if he'll stick with quickstep or go somewhere else.

 

Says he is upset that the press have nick named him the missile after his speed, says that from columbia there are enough negative connotations?

 

Its not like they are using drug cartel connotations...

['Dale]

Saw a pic of Gav's mum with tears of joy at the finish line

Somewhere on tweetiebird

Special day for the Colombian speedster

['Dale]

Uuuuurghhhhhhhh

Rest day

 

 

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[Pure Savage]

Uuuuurghhhhhhhh

Rest day

 

 

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agreed, apart from the last 9km yesterday, what are they resting from?

['Dale]

Rohan Dennis crashed and is out of the Giro

Must've missed it somewhere

Was it broadcasted at all?

 

That'll dent BMC's GC chase.

[Frosty]

agreed, apart from the last 9km yesterday, what are they resting from?

... the next 18 stages