Following 130 kilometres on the flat the Giro d’Italia enters its last episode in the high mountains. In succession the riders are to rest Col Tsecore (16 kilometres at 7.7%) and Col de St.Pantaléon (16.5 kilometres at 7.2%) before the final haul-up to Cervinia – 18.2 kilometres at 5%. The first two climbs are by far the hardest and it all depends on ambition and legs where to strike. Yesterday, Froome turned the race on its head with a 80 kilometres solo-attack, but he really had no choice as he was minutes. Probably, Dumoulin will opt for a more cautious approach. The Dutchman is 40 seconds on the maglia rosa.
Obviously, the prolonged opening on the flat is the perfect breeding ground for a large breakaway. Expect the group to end up fragmented as riders tire in the mountains. It’s possible a strong man survives to take the stage win if the peloton gives them too much leash early on in the stage.
Favourites 20th stage 2018 Giro d’Italia
*** Miguel Ángel López, Chris Froome, Tom Dumoulin, Thibaut Pinot
** Robert Gesink, Davide Formolo, Sander Armée, Valerio Conti
* Domenico Pozzovivo, Richard Carapaz, Koen Bouwman, Ben Hermans
Read also: route 20th stage 2018 Giro d’Italia.
Giro d’Italia 2018 stage 20: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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Details Col Tsecore
Details Col de Saint-Pantaléondelle
Details Cervinia climb
Profile final kilometres
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