Giro 2014: Stage 8 Favourites: A day for the mountain goats
174 kilometres from the center of the Foligno Mountains to Montecopiolo. 17 of the last 19 kilometres are uphill. In short, a day for the climbers. (Slideshow route/profile)
Not an easy finale to predict today but given the irregularity of the final climb, it seems set for a thoroughbred climber like Quintana to take the stage.
There will be plenty looking to hang on to the Columbian, one being his compatriot Uran. Wilco Kelderman will also need to be close by if he is to keep his GC ambitions intact.
It could be a tough one for the Aussie Evans if there are constant accelerations from the bunch, however his win in Trentino shows he’s in good shape. He’s also been the most impressive rider to date in the Giro and while some have questioned BMC’s tactics in riding after the stage 6 crash, it could also be argued that benefited from smart racing when they knew a dangerous roundabout lay ahead.
Another golden oldie looking to impress will be Ivan Basso. The Cannondale rider is quietly going about his business and remains in the top 10 going into today’s stage. Come Saturday evening, we’ll know if he can burn off his competitors like he did in 2010.
Watch out as well for Cunego, Rolland and Hesjedal. All are capable climbers and look to be in good shape so far.
Favourites:
Nairo Quintana
Rigoberto Uran
Outsiders:
Cadel Evans
Wilco Kelderman
Ivan Basso
Ryder Hesjedal
Pierre Rolland
Damiano Cunego
Giro 2014 stage 8: Images and more!
Click on the images to zoom
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Riders and teams - Giro 2014 Favourites - Giro 2014 Withdrawals - Giro 2014 Favourites - Giro 2014 The Route - Giro 2014 More articles Tour of Flanders 2024: The Route
Tour of Flanders 2024: Riders
Tour of Flanders 2024: Favourites
Tour of Flanders 2024 - women: The Route
Tour of Flanders 2024 - women: Riders
Tour of the Basque Country 2024: The Route
Tour of the Basque Country 2024: Riders
Tour of the Basque Country 2024: GC Favourites
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 1: Irun - Irun
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 2: Irun - Kanbo
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 3: Ezpeleta – Altsasu
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 4: Etxarri Aranatz – Legutio
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 5: Vitoria-Gasteiz – Amorebieta-Etxano
Tour of the Basque Country 2024 Route stage 6: Eibar - Eibar
Paris - Roubaix 2024: The Route
Amstel Gold Race 2024: Riders
Cycling Calendar 2024
Tour de France 2024: The Route
Tour de France 2024: Riders
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 1: Florence - Rimini
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 20: Nice - Col de la Couillole
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 21: Monaco - Nice
Giro 2024: The Route
Giro 2024: Riders
Giro 2024 Route stage 1: Turin - Turin
Vuelta 2024: The Route
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!