Tour of the Alps 2018 – Stage 4 Preview
By David Hunter
Klausen – Lienz 134.3km
Another day ending with a descent.
Only 134km in length, but it still contains 2300m of climbing. Given the huge gaps on GC, there is chance the break can make it, but that depends on the attitude of Sky and Astana. The stage will start to heat up on the unclassified climb to Anras, which is 3.5km at 6.9%. This will certainly find out who doesn’t have the legs needed to win the stage.
The crucial point in the race is the climb of the Bannberg.
Officially, 6.9km at 6.7%, but this climb is all about the opening two kilometres, which average around 10%. Looking at the rest of the climb, if you can survive the first three kilometres, you should be able to survive the rest. Once over the top, we have 10km remaining of the stage. Like today, the descent isn’t very technical.
Finale
The final 300m is a bit of a crazy one, with the final corner at 250m left. It is very important to be at the very front for this turn.
Weather
Another cracking day.
Contenders
Giovanni Visconti – today was a good day for him, I think he would have won if the GC men didn’t chase. The next two stages are also good for the Italian, but he will have to ride for Pozzovivo. The team leader is just 15 seconds behind Pinot, the DS will have to carefully think about their tactics. Given his sprint, I hope Visconti is allowed some freedom.
Luis Leon Sanchez – after such a good start to the race, Astana made a royal mess of today. After missing the move of Pinot, they had to burn a lot of matches chasing the group down. When it did come back together, Lopez was sleeping and missed the move of O’Connor. He then failed to bring him back, losing a great chance for Sanchez, but Lopez went so deep that he was dropped and now sits 15 seconds behind Pinot. A total disaster for the team. This is a finish that suits Sanchez incredibly well, as he is clearly in fine climbing form. If we get a reduced sprint, he’ll be one of the fastest.
Thibaut Pinot – now in the race lead, he deserves it after an attacking approach to this race. They only way he can win this stage is if we get a small sprint, and I don’t see that happening.
Enrico Battaglin – Jumbo have looked good this week, but having nothing to show for their efforts. After a good climbing performance today, this is a chance for their Italian fast man. Looking at the other riders, he will be confident of beating them in a sprint.
Francesco Gavazzi – just in case they ride the climb without big attacks. The experienced Italian can climb well, but favours shorter efforts. Androni will have been disappointed to see Sosa crash today, maybe Gavazzi can make them happy again.
Prediction Time
In his 3rd season with Jumbo, I sense a chance for Enrico Battaglin to take his first win for the team.
David Hunter
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