Giro dItalia 2016 Favourites stage 8: Quick descenders and punchy climbers

Giro d’Italia 2016 Favourites stage 8: Quick descenders and punchy climbers

In stage 8 all eyes are fixed on the mesmerizing finale. A partly unpaved climb at 10 kilometres, a drop, and an uphill last kilometre with a steepest grade at 11%. Nibali and Valverde, are you ready? (Slideshow route/profile)

With a finale like this chances are it will be a clash between the best descenders and the most punchy climbers in the pack. Both Nibali and Valverde are brilliant descenders, while Valverde may be the most punchy climber of the two. Yet, both riders were not their best self until now in the Giro d’Italia. Maybe in stage 8…?

Tim Wellens is a strong young Belgian, who powered to victory in the first mountain stage. He is wearing the KOM-jersey, but his goal in the Giro is to win stages. He is down in the GC so he has two options: an early attack or a late break.

Another rider who shows great form and dares to go on the attack is the man in pink. Tom Dumoulin said he is looking forward to this race, and he should. Last year he bested Chris Froome on a steep arrival in the Vuelta.

Fabian Cancellara is title holder in the Strade Bianche, a race on unpaved roads and with a similar finale to today’s.

Favourites stage 8 Giro d’Italia 2016:

*** Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde, Tim Wellens
** Fabian Cancellara, Gianluca Brambilla, Tom Dumoulin
* Diego Ulissi, Arnaud Démare, Esteban Chaves