Grand tour season is here! And we have a very interesting mix of riders and a good route to try and decipher before the racing kicks off on Friday the 8th. The Giro d’Italia is always one where riders can start writing their own stories. Chances to don grand tour leaders jersey’s for the first time. Chances to end up in the general classification (GC) top ten. It’s often a race where new stars are born, and old hands achieve one last hurrah. It might be the most romantic of all the grand tours in that regard, and why not when it’s set against such a glorious backdrop. So enough of my waffling, let’s crack on with what you’re here for!
The Route
The route this year is a real mix offering chances to riders of all types. It’s the kind of route where a Wout Van Aert or a Mads Pedersen would fill their boots, but neither of those riders are here. So who steps up to the feast in their place? By my count, there are four proper flat stages and up to seven more hilly stages that could either go to a break or to a reduced group, particularly in the opening week. The mountain stages also start in the first week and there are six summit finishes in total, predictably back loaded like all Giro routes. There is only one time trial this year and it’s an individual one on stage 10, kicking off the second week. It’s massive too, at 42km. So let’s break down the key stages to watch out for.
Stage 1: The opening stage is a flat one for the sprinters with a technical finale. Expect stress and a fast pace as teams fight to position their fast men.
Stage 2: A really interesting second day with two short but steep ramps to force a selection.
Stage 5: Apparently this stage has over 4000m of elevation gain.
Stage 7: A summit finish atop Blockhaus. Last time it was tackled, Jai Hindley won.
Stage 8: A wonderfully hilly last 60km with many short steep climbs promises fireworks.
Stage 9: Another summit finish to finish the opening week.
Stage 10: A proper time trial for the true specialists.
Stage 11: Similar to stage 8, one for the break?
Stage 14: A mammoth day with three category one climbs and over 4500m of elevation gain.
Stage 16: The final week kicks off with 3500m of elevation gain and another summit finish.
Stage 19: The queen stage with over 5000m of elevation gain and the Cima Coppi.
Stage 20: The race is decided with a double ascent of the 14.5km 7.8% Piancavallo.
Stage 21: Sprint finish in Rome to bring the curtain down.
Velogames Category Guide
The usual categories await you when selecting your Giro team for this year, but with a shorter list of climbers, a longer list of sprinters, and absolutely loads to choose from in the unclassed category. There’s a real air of uncertainty before the race this year. I have a feeling they’ll be many surprises and some truly exceptional performances, but from whom is the question.
All Rounders
The other four riders in this category are all 6 credits, and when there’s a rider like Ben O’Connor for 8 credits, then you have to think they can outscore him. They’re all good riders, but Romo and Vlasov have team leaders to look after, Hatherly is a grant tour debutant and also has a team leader to look after, and Soler only scores at the Vuelta.
Climbers
The 6 credit climbers offer some real value if you need to take one, Rubio was in the dream team two years ago. Other than him, Zana is having a really good year and there’s a lot of promise around the trio of Piganzoli, Rondel, and Pinarello. For me, I’m most excited about Pinarello although the team say he’s here to learn and grow into the race with no pressure on GC. I agree with that approach, but I think he’s capable of more. He might be worth a cheeky wildcard spot.
Sprinters
A smattering of sprinters are available for 6 credits, but I doubt any of them will score decent points. My advice would be, that if you’re going to pick a budget sprinter, then spend 8 credits.
Unclassed
This is not an exhaustive list by any mean. There are many riders who can score well. The 4 credit riders who I expect can perform include Jan Hirt, who’s going for a GC result, Vergallito perhaps, Huens, Rota, Van Dijk, and Kielich. If I have to take a 4 credit rider, then it’d be either Hirt or Kielich. Hirt in particular scored 1113 points in the 2022 Giro, and 760 in the 2024 Giro. Not too shabby.
Selection Advice
Right! Down to the nitty gritty, and for me, Jonas Vingegaard is essential. And if he’s essential, that makes fitting in Pellizzari very tricky indeed. Doubly so if you want to pick one of the main character sprinters. There’s plenty of value for me around 8-12 credits, so that’s where I’ll be spending a lot of time, and I do want a top tier sprinter. It’s choosing the surprise packages and breakout stars that’ll be tough. There are many candidates for those positions, and any you think you’re getting right probably means you’re leaving someone else out. It’s all very tricky stuff. The GC fight is difficult to call for a start so this could be one of those rare occasions where a double sprinter strategy pays off. Certainly plenty to think about between now and Friday lunchtime. If you haven’t already, then do join the league: 649949130. In the meantime, happy tinkering!
The Pelotonian 