Cycling: A bunch sprint seems likely on the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia - at least at first glance. But a small hill shortly before the finish could thwart the pure sprinters' plans. Capo Mele is THE executioner of tomorrow's section. Is Tadej Pogacar attacking again?
Mass sprint despite Capo Mele?
The fourth day of the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday will not be one for the mountain riders either. On the 190 km long distance from Acqui Terme to Andora There is only one mountain classification in the third category to be completed and this is already taken in the middle of the stage. The Colle del Melogno is 7,5 kilometers long with an average gradient of 4,8 percent. This climb would certainly be problematic for pure sprinters if it got in their way shortly before the finish. But that won't be the case tomorrow. Therefore this mountain will have no influence on the race result. This is a much greater danger Capo Mele. It is located directly in front of the finish and, with a length of 1,8 kilometers and an average gradient of 4,4 percent, is THE executioner of the section. Since the course then only leads downhill to the finish, the battle for position is particularly important here and ultimately decisive for the result.
Velomotion forecast: There will be a mass sprint
The pure sprinters have the this year's Giro d'Italia really little to laugh about. Even the actually clear ones Sprint stages contain a small obstacle somewhere. Tomorrow, too, this obstacle is likely to prevent one or two sprinters from actually being able to sprint for the day's victory. Still, the winner will be one of the fastest men in the world. We expect a chaotic sprint with the potential for a surprise. If a strong downhill skier dares to attack over the crest, that's also a good thing Solo coup not completely ruled out.
* * * jonathan milan (Lidl – Trek)
** Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty), Olav Kooij (Visma – LaB)
* Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step), Caleb ewan (Jayco – AlUla), Caden Groves (Alpecin – Deceuninck)