Cycling: After the climbing spectacle is before the flat stage. The 18th section of the Giro d'Italia will almost certainly be decided in a mass sprint. Can Italy's high-flyer Jonathan Milan get his next win?
No hurdles on the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia
Only one mountain classification awaits the professionals Tour of Italy on the 178 kilometer long 18th stage from Fiera di primiero to Padova. After just 18 kilometers in Lamon (3,4 km with 5,6%) a fourth category mountain rating is awarded. Then we continue downhill towards the destination. In general, this stage could break some speed records - you shouldn't stroll around. This section starts at an altitude of 681 meters and the destination of Padova is only 11 meters above sea level. However, based on experience, we can assume that only a few teams and drivers are interested in joining the breakaway group. Because of the simple profile and the many top sprinters, a mass sprint seems almost inevitable.
Velomotion prediction: Milan are the favorites
The 4, the 11 and the 13 have each other jonathan milan (Lidl – Trek) already secured. There is no reason not to call him favorite for the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia. The Italian has impressively demonstrated that he can win even challenging sections and, above all, that he has a team at his side that protects him and can always lead him into the best position. In addition to his three stage victories, Jonathan Milan also finished second twice and fifth once. His consistency is impressive and should continue tomorrow in Padova. His probably fastest opponent is called Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step). The Belgian is particularly quick at the end, but doesn't have such a strong team at his side. Caden Groves (Alpecin – Deceuninck) is still missing a day’s victory. He also has a strong team, but he often lacked the decisive punch in the mass sprint at the end. Can he finally strike tomorrow or can an outsider even pull off a surprise?
* * * jonathan milan (Lidl – Trek)
** Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step), Caden Groves (Alpecin – Deceuninck)
* Stanislaw Aniolkowski (Cofidis), Tim van Dijke (Visma – Lease a Bike), Madis Mihkels (Intermarche – Wanty)