Giro 2017 Favourites stage 17: Break away boys with climbing legs

At 219 kilometres, the 17th stage in the Giro d'Italia travels from Tirano and Canazei. Two hard climbs in the first half of the race, while the last 80 kilometres are basically a prolonged false flat. Time for the break away boys to present themselves. (Slideshow route/profile)

A break away will certainly fancy its chances in the hope that the GC riders call a truce. The route of the 17th stage takes in Aprica and Tonale in the first half before the race concludes with a sheer endless false flat that runs to the finish at an elevation of 1,442 metres. Yes, that’s escapee territory…

Compared to yesterday’s Mortirolo and Stelvio the climbs are doable. Aprica is 12.3 kilometres at 6.3%, while the 11 kilometres Passo del Tonale is averaging 5.7%. Another climb is Ville di Giovo – 8.1 kilometres at 5.7% -, which runs to the aforementioned false plat of 80 kilometres.

In case the race comes down to a clash of the GC guys, the route is perfect for a late attack by Dumoulin. After yesterday’s drama he will be eager and motivated to put time into Quintana and Nibali. He could set-up a duo-attack with fellow time triallist Jungels.

Favourites stage 17 Giro d’Italia 2017

*** Jan Polanc, Pierre Rolland, Luis León Sánchez, Oscar Fraile
** Davide Formolo, Alexander Foliforov, Dario Cataldo, Valerio Conti
* Tom Dumoulin, Bob Jungels, Mikel Landa