Giro 2015: Stage 18 Favourites - Adventurous climbers and bold descenders
In the 18th stage of the Giro 2015, it’s up to the climbers with brilliant descending skills. 130 kilometres flat, 20 kilometres uphill, and a 25 kilometres drop – that’s the story of the day. (Slideshow route/profile)
After a flat stage Monte Ologno is the only obstacle. Upon cresting, halfway down the slopes the long drop is interspersed by a short climb and then it’s blasting down again.
The stage is a godsend for adventurers, so it will probably take some time before the early break is a fact. Indeed, all teams want to be there. Climbing up Monte Ologno the front group shall be reduced and only the best climbers will be left to go for glory in the long drop. Obviously, bold descenders who were dropped will want to give it a go also.
Likely candidates are numerous. Stefano Pirazzi, Simon Clarke, Maciej Paterski, Oscar Gatto, Francesco Gavazzi, Adam Hansen, Giovanni Visconti and Tom Danielson – to name a few.
Steven Kruijswijk is among the strongest attackers in the Giro and he deserves a win. Michael Rogers, head of Contador’s ‘specials forces’, is another likely candidate if his leader gives him a day off.
*** Simon Clarke, Michael Rogers, Steven Kruijswijk
** Oscar Gatto, Francesco Gavazzi, Maciej Paterski
* Pieter Weening, Stefano Pirazzi, Adam Hansen
Look at underneath slideshow for all maps regarding stage 18.
Giro 2015 stage 18: Route, profiles and more
Click on the images to zoom
Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles Riders and teams - Giro 2015 Favourites and GC contenders - Giro 2015 Favourites - Giro 2015 More articles Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route ITT (m/w)
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Start list + times ITT – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Start list + times ITT – women
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route road race – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Riders road race – men
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Route road race – women
Summer Olympics 2024 Paris: Riders road race – women
Clásica de San Sebastián 2024: The Route
Tour de France Femmes 2024: The Route
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 1: Rotterdam - The Hague
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 2: Dordrecht - Rotterdam
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 3: Rotterdam ITT
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 4: Valkenburg - Liège
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 5: Bastogne - Amnéville
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 6: Remiremont - Morteau
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 7: Champagnole - Grand-Bornand
Tour de France Femmes 2024 Route stage 8: Grand-Bornand - Alpe d'Huez
Vuelta 2024: The Route
Vuelta 2024: Riders
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 1: Lisbon - Oeiras
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 2: Cascais - Ourém
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 3: Lousã - Castelo Branco
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 4: Plasencia - Pico Pitolero
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 5: Fuente del Maestre - Seville
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 6: Jerez de la Frontera - Yunquera
Vuelta 2024 Route stage 7: Archidona – Córdoba
Cycling Calendar 2024
Tour de France 2024: Withdrawals
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!