Giro dell´Emilia 2016 preview
By David Hunter
Bologna – San Luca 213km
My favourite race of the year!
A beautiful profile. The riders tackle the biggest climb of the day, in the opening half of the race. Passo Zanchetto is 19.7km long, at an average of 5%. That’s a tough climb! However, the beauty of this race is when we hit San Luca.
The climb up to San Luca is 2.1km at 10%, but has a cruel maximum of 18%. You can see from the profile, it actually levels out with 500m to go. This climb is why I love the race. The peloton have to tackle it on 5 occasions, allowing the fans to see their idols, up close.
Tactics
If you really want to, you can explode the race on Passo Zanchetto. With the quality of teams here, I think it’s possible a large breakaway group could form on this climb and stay away until the finish. Whatever happens, it helps to have as many riders as possible for the multiple climbs to San Luca. The winning move doesn’t always go on the final ascent, early attackers can be rewarded for being brave.
Contenders
Fabio Aru – whilst most of the spotlight has been on the world tour races, the Astana boys have been clocking up the kilometres in the Italian races. Aru has looked good in these recent races and was impressive in the Euro RR. He’s looking to save a disappointing season, after his spectacular blow up in the Tour. Nibali managed to do this in 2015, I wonder if Aru can follow in his footsteps.
Diego Rosa – provides Astana with a good second option. Remember he finished 2015 in magnificent fashion.
Darwin Atapuma – finished the Vuelta in sensational form, just missing out on stage glory in the final mountain stage. The Puma has had a great season, but just missed out on a grand tour win on a couple of occasions. This race should suit him well.
Romain Bardet – one of the best climbers in the race. After a wonderful Tour de France, Bardet is looking to peak again over the next week. Such a classy bike rider, I look forward to seeing how AG2R attack this race.
Jan Bakelants – the Belgian is back to defend his title. He was unlucky in the Vuelta, but left the race with good legs. He impressed in Wallonie, but his break was caught, and he was a loyal domestique in the Euros. Looking at the field, he doesn’t look a good enough climber to retain his title.
Sebastian Reichenbach – was impressive in Wallonie and the Euros. The talented Swiss rider has the skills to challenge in this race, it would be great to see him doing well.
Bauke Mollema – he was really unlucky to miss out on the top 10 at the Tour, but bounced back to win San Sebastian. He failed to win the Tour of Alberta and didn’t really hit the heights in Quebec and Montreal. After a few weeks off, he should be fresh and ready for a big performance. Mollema starts as one of the big favourites.
Dani Moreno – rarely seen in the Vuelta, but still finished 8th. He was impressive in the Euros, finishing in 3rd place. Given his record in Flèche, the Spaniard has a great chance in this race. Movistar also have Visconti and Amador to call upon.
Diego Ulissi – won this race in 2013, the Italian is experiencing a purple patch with four consecutive top 10 finishes. He will be targeting this race, as he’ll struggle to challenge in Lombardia. The Italians would love to see a home rider take the title.
Davide Rebellin – what a record he has in this race. He won it in 2006 and 2014, was 2nd in 2007 and 2008 and 3rd in 2001 and 2003. He struggled last year and I can’t see him challenging this year.
Esteban Chaves – this race will be a taste of what to expect from Orica in 2017. They arrive with Chaves and both Yates twins, the same as they will do in the next Tour de France. Given Adam’s recent form, it looks like Chaves and Simon Yates will be their main riders. Chaves was great in the Vuelta and loves racing in Italy, he has a big chance of winning.
Andrea Fedi – had a tremendous start to 2016, but injury stopped him from having a wonderful season. He’s looked back to himself in recent races and finished 2nd here in 2016. This is an important race in the Italian Cup, the competition that secures a wildcard spot in the Giro. His team currently lead this competition, but they would like a big result from Fedi.
Matteo Busato – a teammate of Fedi, the Italian has had the best season of his career. Second place in Memorial Marco Pantani was a reminder of what he can achieve. Likely to attack early, but shouldn’t be allowed any freedom.
Rigoberto Uran – he was unlucky in Quebec, nearly defending his title. The Colombian rider has a good record in Italy and should have a big say in the outcome of this race. Cannondale have other options too, with Moser in fine form. We’ll have to wait and see how they manage the ambitions of both riders.
Prediction Time
With some serious climbing talent here, I expect a massive battle on the slopes of San Luca. Ulissi has the form, but he’s up against some of the best climbers in the world. Knowing the course will be important and I think Ulissi will continue his good spell with a win.
David Hunter
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