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!
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Related articles Riders and teams - Giro 2014 Favourites - Giro 2014 Withdrawals - Giro 2014 Favourites - Giro 2014 The Route - Giro 2014 More articles Tour de France 2024: The Route
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 1: Florence - Rimini
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 2: Cesenatico - Bologna
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 3: Piacenza - Turin
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 5: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 7: Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 8: Semur-en-Auxois - Colombey-les-Deux-Églises
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 9: Troyes - Troyes
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 11: Evaux-les-Bains - Le Lioran
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 12: Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 14: Pau - Pla d'Adet
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 15: Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 16: Gruissan - Nîmes
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 17: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 18: Gap - Barcelonnette
Tour de France 2024 Route stage 19: Embrun - Isola 2000
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 Route stage 1: Turin - Turin
Giro 2024 Route stage 2: San Fransesco al Campo - Oropa
Giro 2024 Route stage 3: Novara - Fossano
Giro 2024 Route stage 4: Acqui Terme - Andora
Giro 2024 Route stage 5: Genoa - Lucca
Giro 2024 Route stage 6: Viareggio - Rapolano Terme
Giro 2024 Route stage 7: Foligno - Perugia
Giro 2024 Route stage 8: Spoleto - Prati di Tivo
Giro 2024 Route stage 9: Naples - Naples
Cycling Calendar 2024