Alexey Lutsenko excelled in a similar finale during the 4th stage of the 2019 Tirreno-Adriatico. The Kazach attacked from the lead group before entering the finishing circuit. He hit the deck several times before Primoz Roglic, Adam Yates and Jakob Fuglsang caught him inside the last 700 metres. Lutsenko did not panic. On the contrary, he stood tall and outsprinted the other three on the line.
Let’s hope for such a dramatic race in the Giro as well.
For one thing, the route allows for a similar outcome. The riders have to climb from the start on the Valico della Somma – 4.5 kilometres at 6.5% – before entering a flat and, at times, undulating phase. The Passo della Scheggia – 3.5 kilometres at 3.2% – appears roughly halfway, after which a prolonged false fat (down) leads to the first time over the Muro dei Cappuccini. The 2.8 kilometres climb rises at 7.6%, while the second part goes at almost 11%, but as there are still 50 kilometres it’ll merely serve as a reckon.
The Giro descends to the base of the Monte delle Cesane. This climb is 7.8 kilometres long and averaging 6.5%, while the third kilometre is solely double digit material. Shortly after the descent a short climb leads to Montefelcino and almost 10 kilometres later the riders are back at the Muro dei Capuccini.
Obviously, it’s still a brutal and double-digit monster. After the last time over the summit the riders plunge down to the line. The downhill is almost 5 kilometres long and technical, while the home straight is flat.
The second intermediate sprint comes with time bonuses of 3, 2 and 1 seconds, while 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 8 2023 Giro d’Italia.
Another interesting read: results 8th stage 2023 Giro.
Giro d’Italia 2023 stage 8: route, profile, more
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