Giro 2023 Favourites stage 3: Breakaway day or sprinters
fotobureau Cor VosThe 3rd stage could be a day for the breakaway, although the likes of Pedersen and Matthews could decide otherwise. Get rid off pure sprinters in the demanding pre-finale and sprint for the win in Melfi.
(Slideshow route/profile)
It comes down to a section of 13.5 kilometres inside the last 40 kilometres. While the rest of the route is virtually flat, the Valico dei Laghi di Monticchio and the subsequent Valico la Groce are something else entirely.
The two peaks are situated around the volcanic lakes of Monticchio. The first of the two climbs is 6.3 kilometres long, while the average gradient sits at 6.4%. A slightly downhill section precedes the second climb, which adds 2.6 kilometres at 7.6% to the mix.
A 16 kilometres descent takes the riders to an interesting finale. The last 10 kilometres are flat to rolling - with the penultimate kilometre at 3.4% - before the last 250 metres climb at 5% to the line.
If the breakaway is given a long enough leash, the stage winner is likely to sit at the front. On the other hand, if it all comes together in the climbs to and around the volcanic lakes we are likely to see a sprint of strongmen.
Favourites 3rd stage 2023 Giro d'Italia
*** Mads Pedersen, Michael Matthews, Magnus Cort
** Kaden Groves, Fernando Gaviria, Alessandro Covi, Filippo Zana
* Primoz Roglic, Andrea Vendrame, Natnael Tesfatsion, Carlos Verona
Another interesting read: route 3rd stage 2023 Giro.
