Cycling: The Giro d'Italia 2018 starts on Friday. In the fight against the clock, the classification riders in Jerusalem have to be up to speed immediately. We looked at the days on which they are also required. THESE are the most important stages of the Tour of Italy.
Week #1: Easy start to the 2018 Giro d'Italia in Israel
As is so often the case, it begins Giro d'Italia 2018 with an individual time trial. In Jerusalem on May 4th, 9,7 kilometers have to be completed on the time trial machine. The length was chosen wisely, because this start keeps the overall standings exciting from the start. The time trial aces fight for victory, while the classification riders don't have to fear large gaps. Furthermore, sprinters have the chance to keep the gap within limits and possibly sprint into the Maglia Rosa on stages #2 and #3. The finishes in Tel Aviv and Eilat promise a mass sprint before the first day of rest and the transfer to Italy. From Catania to Caltagirone and from Agricento to Santa Ninfa it will be hilly on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here the punchers will make up the sprint among themselves. But beware: Even as a classification driver you must not sleep!
Week #2: From the 6th stage onwards it comes one after the other
The pros can't win the Giro d'Italia 2018 on the first five stages. But you can lose him. From the 6th stage, however, the climbers must be on their guard. Then it goes up Mount Etna, where the first weaknesses are likely to be severely punished. After a section to catch your breath, it comes in quick succession. Stages #8 and #9 are not only 200 kilometers long, but also steeply uphill. The two mountain stages are followed by four flat or slightly hilly sections on which the class riders can breathe deeply. They will need this air because the decision will be made in the third week. Anyone who was able to keep the distance within limits up to the 14th stage and saved a few grains has the best chance of overall victory.
Week #3: Only now will the decision be made
On May 19th, the pros have to conquer Monte Zoncolan on the 14th stage. To date, only well-known professionals, such as Ivan Basso and Gilberto Simoni, have won this awesome finish. For those who do not reach their top form on time, the week of suffering begins. Five mountain classifications wait the day after before the last rest day can be used for relaxation. Although there is only a 34,5-kilometer time trial on the program afterwards, this should become a challenge for some drivers immediately after a rest day. From Riva del Garda to Iseo, you can take a deep breath one last time before the final decision is made. The destinations of Prato Nevoso, Bardonnecchia and Cervinia form what is perhaps the most exciting trilogy of recent years. Three mountain finishes in a row determine the overall winner and probably also the triumphant in the mountain classification. A special highlight is the gravel Colle delle Finestre on the 19th stage. It's quite possible that the lead jersey will change narrow shoulders again during this trilogy.
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