Tour de France champion sees Sunday’s Etna stage as more decisive than today’s though
For many riders, today’s short, sharp stage between Maddaloni and Montevergine di Mercogliano is where the Giro d’Italia really starts. One of those is Tour de France champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-SunGard), one of the big favourites for the race, who can’t wait for the climbing to start.
“Tomorrow’s [Today’s – ed] stage is short but we will see who is doing well but especially those who are in bad condition will be exposed,” he said after finishing safely in the peloton in yesterday’s rolling stage to Fiuggi. “However, I think the closing climb is not too demanding. What’s more important is the stage on Etna because it is a more demanding climb than tomorrow and will be more important for the overall GC.”
Although today’s stage is just 110km long, it takes in two 2nd category climbs: the Serra della Strada, and the finish at Montevergine. While neither is anything like as high as those that the peloton will tackle later in the race, at 705 metres and 1260 metres respectively, they both begin at close to sea level and so will be no less tough for their lack of altitude.
As Contador states though, while the stage today could see a number of riders lose out to the stronger ones, the big favourites will almost certainly wait for Etna on Sunday to make their move.
Although last year’s seventh place, and white jersey, Richie Porte has dropped down the overall standings, thanks to his crash on Wednesday’s stage across the Strade Bianche of Tuscany, things are looking bright for the Saxo Bank-SunGard team overall.
“Everyone’s feeling well and the riders are in perfect condition,” said sports director Philippe Mauduit yesterday. “Tomorrow’s [Today’s – ed] stage is very short but the final uphill finish will surely take its toll on the peloton and we’re positive that Alberto is ready for any battle that should occur.”