By Stage 6 was a big win for the breakaway thanks in large part to a handful of savvy, talented climbers jumping at the chance to take advantage of a disinterested peloton. The top ten is now packed with new names, headed by Just Pro Cycling favourite Valerio Conti.
The Just Profile
Tomorrow we’re looking at 185km of rolling terrain with a flat opening and a lumpy second half. It won’t be a GC day but an 11% spike on a ramped final kilometre makes this another very interesting day. As the race rumbles towards L’Aquila gradients are gentle but the final rise will be the end of any lurking sprinters.
Launch a Tenner – Simon Yates 16/1
Is tomorrow’s stage hard enough to prise the GC boys from their cages? Possibly not. But Simon Yates and Primoz Roglic are two of the most entertaining GC men we’ve seen in recent yeara. Both seem unable to stay quiet and they’ll want to bag some bragging rights. The two are at the top of their game right now. Would you really bet against them? Yates is the choice. I’m happy to take the bookies on!
Launch a Fiver – Valerio Conti 66/1
Back. On. Valerio. Conti. The young Italian may fall into the category of race leaders who decide to go on the offensive. He won’t win the Giro and I doubt he even has the legs to scare Jumbo and Mitchelton. Nevertheless, I don’t think he’ll be a passenger over the next few weeks. After securing the jersey today, he’ll be eyeing up a stage. He’s flying right now.
Launch a Fiver – Alexis Vuillermoz 66/1
Tour de France Stage 8, 2015. Mur de Bretagne. That’s the Vuillermoz I want to see tomorrow. I am a huge fan of the Frenchman but I fear he will wait for harder climbs before strutting his stuff at this year’s Giro. At a favourable price, I just can’t refuse.
Launch a Fiver – Francesco Gavazzi 40/1
The daily Androni love continues with Francesco Gavazzi. He’s got solid form this year and I’m hoping he can replicate his good performances in tomorrow’s stage. As with many wildcard riders, it’s difficult to see how he will get the better of a peloton of World Tour riders peaking for this race. He was only 7th in a similar stage to Santa Ninfa last year, so some magic is needed. He’s my man for a reduced sprint.
Any Other Business
Is Sam Oomen on track for a huge GC challenge following his gains in the break today? Probably not but…
Trivia
L’Aquila is the capital of the region of Abruzzo, which holds the annual handball world cup. Honestly.
Just Pro Cycling 