Tour of the Alps 2018 – Stage 1 Preview

By David Hunter

Arco – Folgaria 134.6km

The race begins with an interesting looking stage.

The riders start the stage with a long climb of 50km, but it’s nice and easy. This stage is all about the final climb and final rise up to the line.

The cat 2 climb to Serrada is very long, but that includes an easy opening half. The final half is much harder, but I don’t think it’s hard enough to put any of the team leaders into difficulty. Once over the top, there will be a battle to control the bunch. The climb crests with 6.8km remaining, meaning we are likely to see attacks towards the end of the climb as it will be possible for a rider who isn’t a GC threat to sneak away.

Finale

We have a very tight corner with 700m remaining and once round it, the road immediately starts to rise. This is a very narrow road and includes some cobbles too, making for some nervous GC riders. The narrowness of the road means that the GC riders will want to be in the first 10 wheels when the road turns.

Weather

There is a chance of rain, but mainly it is due to be a cloudy day, with little wind.

Contenders

Giovanni Visconti – this is a finish that suits the puncheurs, as long as they hang on during the cat 2 climb. Visconti has enjoyed a strong start to the season, with six top 10 performances. He is here to support Pozzovivo, but this stage suits him better. The Italian is very strong on home roads, he has taken 18 wins in his homeland. He starts the stage as one of the big favourites.

Diego Rosa – his career at Sky has struggled to get going, a real shame as he is a huge talent. His recent win in Coppi Bartali is a sign that he is starting to hit some form and this finish is better for him than his team leaders. Now, Team Sky aren’t always great at allowing domestiques the chance to chase glory, but I hope Rosa gets to try and win the stage.

Pello Bilbao – another rider who is here to support his team leader, but this finish is very good for him. The Basque rider enjoyed his home race and leaves there with some solid legs. Bilbao has a very fast sprint, faster than most climbers and even some sprinters! If put into a good position, he will hope to finish on the podium.

Luis Leon Sanchez – another Astana rider who will like this finish. The Spaniards first part of 2018 was an overwhelming success, it will be interesting to see if his form is still good as a little break. With so many options, Astana are likely to ride an attacking race in the closing kilometres.

Thibaut Pinot – the Frenchman has the fastest finish of the GC challengers. He will look forward to smashing up the final 500m and seeing if he can take the stage win. He has the speed required to do some damage and the others know this. His success will depend on his team delivering him into a good position for that final turn.

Prediction Time

This stage looks perfect for a puncheur and I think we’ll see Giovanni Visconti taking the win.

*Overall preview

David Hunter

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