Giro d'Italia: It's about them. Probably the most well-known trophy in Italy will again be hard-fought this year. Three weeks of exciting cycling are ahead of us. We look ahead at each stage and the favourites.
This year the Giro d'Italia starts in Ireland. From May 9th to 11th, the tour will take place on the green island Station before the organizers put the teams to the logistical test by asking the entourage to southern Italy. After a rest day, the Giro continues there, more precisely in Giovinazzo. From here the route leads over the first week to northern Italy, where finally in the remaining days burn the fuse and the successor of Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) will be determined.
Favorites
Last year's winner Vincenzo Nibali will not defend his title at the Giro this year. So who will be his successor? We look at the favourites.
Nairo Quintana (Movistar)
The little Colombian made history last year when he finished second on the podium in Paris behind Chris Froome (Sky). At just 59 kilograms, the 24-year-old is one of the lightest riders in the peloton. This benefits him especially in the mountains, where he wants to shine in his first Giro participation.
Quintana is undoubtedly capable of the mountain classification. In the end, can he even have a say in the overall victory? In any case, he has the class for it.
Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)
Last year, the Colombian pulled the coals out of the fire for his former team Sky. After Sir Bradley Wiggins revealed problems in the rain and ended the Tour prematurely due to a knee injury, Uran secured a stage win (pictured above) and second overall behind Vincenzo Nibali (Astana).
At the end of last season, the Colombian left Sky for Omega Pharma-QuickStep. So far, however, he has not been able to convert the increased freedom into success. However, he can be trusted to find his form in time for the first mountainous stage.
Cadel Evans (BMC)
What hasn't Cadel Evans won in his career? The former eternal second is undoubtedly one of the stars of the peloton and, alongside the Spaniard Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha), also one of the most consistent tour riders in recent years. In 2013 his Giro ended with shifting problems on the way up to the Drei Zinnen. In the end, third place was up for grabs.
There is no doubt Evans wants to climb higher up the podium this year. He has what it takes, the form and experience anyway.
Joaquin RodriguezKatusha
The Catalan is the tragic figure of recent years. Although he was able to crown himself as the world's best driver several times, he literally lost some well-known races in the last second. The profile of the Giro should Purito accommodate. More than ever, he should also think about finally entering his name in the list of winners of a three-week tour. Like Evans, he is capable of a lot.
Daniel MartinGarmin Sharp
The Irishman has improved continuously in recent years and has mostly achieved his goals. Martin is a thoughtful rider whose strength lies on the mountain. This year, in addition to the home advantage at the beginning of the tour, he can also rely on the help of Ryder Hesjedal, who was able to decide the Tour of Italy in his favor two years ago. Will this be enough to win the Giro? We don't know, but we think he's capable of placing among the best.
Przemyslaw Niemiec (Lampre Merida)
The Pole surprised everyone with his consistent riding style at the Giro last year. This year he was supposed to play the lieutenant for Chris Horner. However, after he was unable to start due to injury, the hopes of the Lampre-Merida team rested on his shoulders. In the past few weeks he has shown that he is in good form and can handle the pressure. He can also be expected to be among the best.
In addition to the actors mentioned, one should also consider the Astana duo Michele Scarponi, winner of the 2011 edition, and Fabio Arau keep in mind, as well as the Italians Iván Basso (Cannondale) and Dominic Pozzo alive (Ag2R La Mondiale).
Route
The Giro d'Italia is considered one of the toughest races in the world. This year, the 21 stages from Belfast to Trieste will cover a total distance of 3.500 kilometers. For the sake of simplicity, we have listed the stages here individually. In order to be able to view the respective profile and the special features, you simply have to click on the Button . click
The first stage of the Giro d'Italia will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time in the history of the race. The team time trial will be of particular importance for the favorites mentioned above. For them, it is important not to catch too much time behind on the almost 22 kilometers.
Our advice: The course is not very technical in and of itself. The Orica-GreenEdge team is likely to be the favourite. There is no driver in their ranks who is aiming for overall victory. However, should one start with the Pink sweater get, that would be half the battle for the tour ambitions.
The second part of the day in Ireland is for the sprinters. Here Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano) will try to land his first stage win in Italy. However, the sprinters Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) and Elia Viviani (Cannondale), who are currently in a very good mood, should have something against it. The rouleures should also have something against it.
Our advice: Since the route runs along the sea for large parts, the wind should not be ignored as a factor. Maybe the winner will come from a group. The overall ranking favorites must also be careful, not them here Kante to guess.
The third stage ends the Italian guest appearance on the Emerald Isle. Before the first day of rest, the profile will be wavy and the wind will again be a decisive factor. Nevertheless, the sprinters should have the edge in the end.
Our advice: In Ireland's capital, Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano), Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) and Elia Viviani (Cannondale) will give nothing away.
After the transfer on the first rest day, there is a relatively short stage in southern Italy. However, a look at the profile reveals that this will probably be driven very quickly. The route describes an arc around Bari before ending on a circuit.
Our advice: It's going to be another big day for the sprinters.
The mountain calls! The Giro d'Italia is finally picking up speed and will put the general classification favorites to a first test. From the start in Taranto, the profile steadily increases. After 196 kilometers, the first climb to the finish line of the tour is on the agenda.
Our advice: A group will arrive, which should include around 30 riders. It is quite possible that Daniel Martin and Joaquin Rodriguez will flex their muscles here for the first time.
A truly long edge awaits the drivers on May 15th. At 247 kilometers, the sixth stage is one of the longest of the tour. The profile does not make it any easier for the riders, as at the end of the stage there is another steep climb up to the finish in Montecassino.
Our advice: The stage will initially be characterized by a long flight. In the end, however, other drivers are likely to put their noses in the wind. The climb to Montecassino is anything but easy to ride, which is probably why it's a good one Finisher like Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Merida) or Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) will win.
The seventh day will show who gets in shape and who doesn't. The wavy profile should initially accommodate a group again. Things will get hectic in the final.
Our advice: This is the first leg of the Giro that a group can get through - though it depends on the composition of the group. The teams of the favorites might have something against one of the removed yours to let go.
On the eighth stage it is up to the general classification favorites keep feet still and be there at the right moment. The nervousness will increase. The ascent to the Carpegna alone makes sure of that. The final doesn't get any easier after that, though.
Our advice: The climb to the finish is extremely steep. There will no doubt be a clash of blows between the favorites listed above. Although no preliminary decision will be made yet, if you catch a weak day, you can already lose the Giro d'Italia here.
After the hardships of the eighth stage, it won't be any easier for the overall ranking favorites in the ninth stage either. Whoever in Montecopiolo die Pink sweater has taken over, will have to do a hard piece of work today - especially since there is a rest day between the two sections and the race will be fast due to the somewhat rested legs.
Our advice: The stage is definitely something for the climbers. Here the favorites should consider their helpers and the pure climbers should take the initiative early on. If a large group forms early on, a driver from this group can even get through.
The tenth stage is undoubtedly made for the sprinters. The only question is how they coped with the hardships of the first week.
Our advice: The fast guys will once again fight for the laurels and collect important points in the fight for the sprint jersey.
The eleventh section should be heavily marked in the outliers' calendar. The first part of the 249-kilometer section is hilly, with the profile largely characterized by the climb to Passo Cento Croci. After that, it's hilly, before the Naso die Gatto heralds the hot phase in the finale.
Our advice: The overall ranking favorites keep their feet still. Today a breakaway wins.
The first individual time trial of the tour should rearrange the overall standings. Above all, the strong time trialists among the favorites will try to gain time on the competition.
Our advice: This is actually a stage for favorites like Cadel Evans. Rigoberto Uran can also do well here. A good one could also win the day Wheeler pick up.
The overall classification is rearranged after the time trial from the previous day. This is good for the teams aiming for stage wins. They will try to set the tone today.
Our advice: In Rivarolo Canavese, the sprinters are also likely to fight for the day's victory.
The hot phase of the tour begins. And in two respects. The aspirants for the jersey of the best climber will try to collect valuable points today. The overall ranking favorites should then meet at the finish line sniff.
Our advice: Today a real climber wins. The favorites for the tour victory are still keeping their feet still.
20 kilometers! This is how you could describe this stage, which is intended to commemorate the late Marco Pantani. The way up to Plan di Montecampione was a climb to his liking. Long, insidious and exhausting.
Our advice: After the overall ranking favorites took it easy yesterday, they put their cards on the table today.
Last year, this stage fell victim to snow. Hopefully it can take place this year. It is mythical: Gavia, Stelvio Pass and Martell Valley - this is where winners and heroes are born.
Our advice: day two of truth After the favorites tasted blood the day before, today they will deliver fireworks on the difficult ascent of the Martelltal. The first two climbs of the day, however, should belong to the aspirants to the mountain jersey.
The first really difficult mountains of the tour are behind the drivers. For this reason, the favorites will put their feet up a bit today. This should give breakaways the opportunity to take advantage of the undulating 208 kilometers from Sarnonico to Vittorio Veneto.
Our advice: A runaway arrives today. This stage is made for riders like Johnny Hoogerland (Androni Giocattoli).
A preliminary decision will be made today in the fight for the mountain jersey. The stage is difficult and has a lot to do with the climbs to San Pellegrino and up to Valsugana. In view of the upcoming time trial, however, the favorites are likely to hold back today.
Our advice: Today a climber wins, possibly a helper of the favorites. They will conclude a peace pact on the 16-kilometer final climb. Should anyone feel like putting pressure on the pedals, then it will probably only be in the last few kilometers.
The Cima Grappa will bring the preliminary decision in the battle for the Maglia Rosa. At 26.8 kilometers, the fight against the clock is short, but it's uphill almost the entire time. You can't afford to make a mistake here if you want to celebrate in Trieste two days later.
Our advice: The strong climbers among the favorites will throw everything into the balance again today. It will be seen who has survived the past few days best - physically and mentally. On paper, the day's win should go to Nairo Quintana, Cadel Evans, or Joaquin Rodriguez.
And in the end everything turns out differently! Those favorites who lost time the day before will think so. Today is not a day for the climbers. No, on Monte Zoncolan the Giro will be able to celebrate itself again. The first part of the stage invites escape attempts, but the final will belong to the favourites.
Our advice: The favorites will taste blood again today. It will be a difficult part of the day for the leader and he will hope for a strong team. The extremely steep final ten kilometers will finalize the final classification.
It is finished. On the way to Trieste, the drivers will review the past three weeks before the sprinters get the chance to put on a last show.
Our advice: There's no question that a sprinter will win today. However, the day belongs to everyone who got through the Giro – from the jersey wearers to the wearer of the Red Lantern.
The stage overview is also available in printed form. The official program for the Giro d'Italia 2014 is at EPS published and available here. [Link]
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Live streams
From May 9th, the Grio d'Italia will be broadcast live every day. Links to the relevant streams can be found below www.cyclingfans.com.