Giro 2022 Favourites stage 8: For Classics specialists

foto: Cor VosThe Naples stage at the Giro includes a series of short and sharp hills. Which makes it perfect for riders with good credentials in the hilly Classics.

Think the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Biniam Girmay. A good descent and ditto sprint is recommended, as the race finishes with a downhill before 5 kilometres on the flat.

Once the flag has been dropped the riders head to a circuit west of Naples. It’s tackled five times and features the Monte di Procida (2.1 kilometres at 6%) and the climb to Lucrine Lake (600 metres at 9.4%).

With 20 kilometres to go the riders leave the circuit to return to Naples. Two climbs left in the last part of the race. The first is 1.8 kilometres at 5.2% and the second 3.4 kilometres at 4.7%. The route then descends to the last 3 kilometres on the flat.

There is very little to be gained for GC riders, so the breakaway is expected to be given enough leash to succeed. That is, once the right composition of attackers has been formed. Odds are that it will take awhile for the breakaway to take shape. In short, an exciting opening phase of the race is on the cards.

On the other hand, possibly Van der Poel’s team will take the reins to give their leader the possibility to shine in Naples.