With the Giro d’Italia, the first big tour of the year is just around the corner. From May 4 to May 26, Italy is under the spell of the pink jersey. Learn all about the route, the participants and how we follow the Giro with Sporza here.
That’s how it was last year
Would the Giro also be added to his list of achievements after the Vuelta? With three time trials, the Italians did everything they could to lure Remco Evenepoel to La Grande Partenza in Fossacesia.
And the Vuelta winner was not disappointed: he immediately grabbed the pink jersey in the opening time trial. He would repeat that trick just before the first day of rest to take over the maglia rosa from interim Pope Andreas Leknessund, but his time gain was less than predicted. An explanation soon came: corona.
Due to the withdrawal of Evenepoel, the British Geraint Thomas entered the final weeks as the leader. His dream of becoming the oldest Giro winner at the age of 37 was only fulfilled with the finish line in sight.
With a spectacular climbing time trial to Monte Lusarri, Primoz Roglic was still able to seize power. Good for his 4th overall victory in a Grand Tour.
The track
The charm offensive to Tadej Pogacar results in a fairly mild Giro by Italian standards with significantly fewer elevation meters. It allows the Slovenian to also ride the Tour a month later.
The opening weekend can already produce fireworks. The first pink jersey will be for a puncher after a wavy final towards Turin, but on Sunday it will be the classification men’s turn. There is already one in Oropa on day 2 climbing exam on the program with the first uphill finish.
In the first week the sprinters can indulge themselves, but there is also a light version of the Strade Bianche with 11.6 km to spare. gravel roadsa long time trial of over 40 km and the first 5-star stage to Prati di Tivo.
The 2nd week will be crucial for the rankings, with the clambering trip towards Bocca della Selva immediately after the rest day. Stage 15, a monster tour of 222 km across the… MortiroloPogacar has already pointed out.
The tough final week tests the endurance of the favorites with the Stelvio, the roof of the Giro, as an opener. A day later the 6th and final uphill finish follows with a double ascent of the Passo Broncon.
The final weekend has a final climax in the high mountains on Saturday, May 25 with the ride to Bassano del Grappa. The final winner will be crowned a day later in Rome.
Giro d’Italia
The participants
Rarely has a forecast for a Grand Tour seemed as predictable as for this Giro. Tadej Pogacar is the top favorite.
Geraint Thomas, Romain Bardet, Thymen Arensman, Ben O’Connor, Daniel Martinez, Nairo Quintana, Juan Pedro Lopez and Damiano Caruso are put forward as competitors. Or will they have to fight for places 2 and 3?
With about 7 sprint opportunities, many fast men also showed up. Tim Merlier, who has already scored 7 times this season, is a big contender, but will face competition from Jonathan Milan, Olav Kooij, Fabio Jakobsen and Kaden Groves, among others.
teams and participants
VF Group – Bardiani – CSF – Faizanè
Team dsm-firmenich – PostNL
Decathlon – AG2R – La Mondiale Team
Team Visma – Lease a Bike
The Belgians
The Giro on Sporza
- Sporza follows every stage from start to finish with live updates.
- There are flashes on it every day Radio 1.
- Renaat Schotte is in Italy for interviews, mood pieces and analyses.
- There is one every day too Giro Magazine with an extensive ride report, reactions and conversations with Renaat Schotte on site. You’ve come to the right place at Canvas or VRT Max around 11 p.m.
- With the Sporza Giro manager you can also test your qualities as a cycling manager yourself. Put together a team and compete for prizes.
Your team at the start?
stage 1/21 – Venaria Reale – Turin
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