By Tomorrow’s stage ends in Pinerolo, not too far from the Palazzo dei Principi d’Acaia. Near to the palace is the San Maurizio church known for it’s beautiful view of the nearby Alps. This is quite fitting as tomorrow’s Giro d’italia stage acts as the gateway for a long weekend of hard riding in the alps. It’s a stage that could unfold in a couple of different ways. Great for punting.
The Just Profile
Stage 12 is just 158km long with one feature climb. Thankfully, it’s a deceptively tough obstacle averaging a daunting 9.5% for over 8 km. The peloton will reach the crest of the Montoso with 30km to go before racing down to the the finish in Pinerolo. Not obvious on most profiles is a sharp 13.5% cobbled spike (lasting around 500m) inside the otherwise flat finale. Don’t be tempted by their large prices; there’s no way the fast men will survive this.
Launch a Fiver – Bob Jungels 50/1
Since winning the most elite of all bunch sprints at the Giro in 2017, Bob Jungels has become my go-to rider for stages which may end up as a flat sprint between a selection of GC-leading climbers. He also has the capabilities to ‘bring the springtime’ and go solo on the cobbled bump. Throw into the mix Quick-Step’s stuttering Giro and 50/1 looks a good price.
Launch a Quid – Peter Serry 80/1
With Elia Viviani’s pending withdrawal, Quick-Step will be looking to bounce-back quickly. Peter Serry has looked strong and could be one for the early break. Given a decent gap, Serry could keep going on the Montoso and blow any weaker companions away.
Launch a Fiver – Tony Gallopin 28/1
It’s no secret that I like the AG2R riders and with Tony Gallopin they have a number of different ways to win. He’s far enough down the GC to get into the morning break (as he did on stage 4), strong enough to attack on the climb, and fast enough to win from a vastly reduced bunch. I can’t see an early break going the distance (due to the nature of the profile) so I’m hoping Gallopin has enough to jump the GC group late on. I’m hoping his crash hasn’t set him back.
Launch a Quid – Bauke Mollema 66/1
My opinion of Bauke Mollema changed after his San Sebastian win in 2016. He’s now my outsider for anything with a steep launchpad in the final 40km. Unfortunately, he’s probably going too well at the moment to go for a daring attack this close to the alps. Nevertheless, his price lures me in
Trivia
The mythical ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was held prisoner in the Fortress of Pignerol (Pinerolo) in the 17th century. On a lighter note, Pinerolo hosted the curling at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics…
Just Pro Cycling 