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Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

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emmea90
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Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

Contest #2 - Giro d'Italia 2018
The first GT contest (Cat. 1) of the year will, of course, be on Giro d'Italia. Why I'll open it so early? Because drawing a GT is not for all and i want to give you three months to do it (at least say thanks)

The contest will be about redrawing the 2018 Giro d'Italia. That will mainly means
- You have to keep the start from Israel. You can change the starting points and cities but you have to pass on West Jerusalem and you cannot go in Palestinian territories for safety reasons.
- You have to end it in Rome
- You cannot repeat finals or key parts of stages of 2017 real race
- You have to put a stage start or a stage finish in at least 15 different regions
- 2018 is 100 years after WWI end, so you have to remember it in at least two stages

Opposite from the other contests, you can have a maximum of TWO routes submitted for this one

The Giro should be balanced, offering a "Dumoulin" and a "Quintana" the same chances to compete for the maglia rosa.

The Deadline will be on 4/5, when the first rider of real Giro d'Italia will start his ITT

You must submit your routes in this topic submitting the link. As stated in general presentation, you can submit from 1 to 3 routes. You can use this topic also for asking the question - we can answer question about climb / road / finish praticability but we won't answer to anyone's questions in private, only in this topic.

Everyone who will present the route also posting in the topic profiles and descriptions in this topic will start the voting phase with 3 points bonus

Good luck anyone

-------------------

In Italian:

Il contest verte sul ridisegnare il Giro 2018 con queste condizioni

A) Mantenere la partenza da Israele, senza sconfinare in altri stati o territori palestinesi. Si possono cambiare le città ma bisogna passare da Gerusalemme
B) Bisogna finire a Roma
C) Non si possono ripetere finali o punti chiavi di tappe del Giro 2017
D) Bisogna inserire almeno una partenza o arrivo di tappa in 15 diverse regioni italiane
E) Bisogna inserire almeno due tappe a tema (o con punti che tocchino il tema) "100 anni dalla fine della prima guerra mondiale"

Si possono mandare fino a due percorsi per utente

Il percorso deve essere bilanciato tra cronoman-scalatori, permettendo di essere vinto sia da un Dumoulin che da un Quintana

Chiunque posti il percorso con profili e descrizioni nel topic avrà tre punti bonus per la presentazione

------------------------

Routes submitted:
emilio.torre: maps/tours/view/8235
ivan98: maps/tours/view/8238
mauro: maps/tours/view/8284
alfa: maps/tours/view/8281
Anthofou31: maps/tours/view/8297
pereiroseleccion: maps/tours/view/8254
simone.galbiati: maps/tours/view/8237
xiky: maps/tours/view/8377
benoit.guillot: maps/tours/view/8288
ded-moroz: maps/tours/view/8395
belgian4444: maps/tours/view/8416
crisborto11: maps/tours/view/8454
lorenzo.tripodi: maps/tours/view/8441
jsavi: maps/tours/view/8327
lorenzo06: maps/tours/view/8506
emilio.torrei-v2: maps/tours/view/8718
simone.galbiati-v2: maps/tours/view/8807
pereiroseleccion-v2: maps/tours/view/8343
david.tuci: maps/tours/view/8361
david.tuci-v2: maps/tours/view/8360
chiumiento: maps/tours/view/8848
kevink: maps/tours/view/8622
lorenzo.ciconte: maps/tours/view/8972
bomby: maps/tours/view/9004
federico.belluco: maps/tours/view/8952
alberto.avanzi: maps/tours/view/8473
laplaz: maps/tours/view/8964
melz2309: maps/tours/view/8249
jibivalverde: maps/tours/view/8551
quagmire: maps/tours/view/8146
mike4296: maps/tours/view/8547
az1234t: maps/tours/view/8935
rdz1201: maps/tours/view/9156
nebe-v1: maps/tours/view/8498
nebe-v2: maps/tours/view/8758
paoloagb: maps/tours/view/9186
rmax85: maps/tours/view/8253
ciroabete: maps/tours/view/8300
pincoletto: maps/tours/view/8713
xflyinghighx: maps/tours/view/9221
EliaVeronesi: maps/tours/view/8344
Maino della Spinetta: maps/tours/view/8989
Taaramae_crack: maps/tours/view/9214
Marco08: maps/tours/view/8797
Nat63: maps/tours/view/8296
Alegard: maps/tours/view/9055
CaramelMou: maps/tours/view/9147
Giorgio.ponticelli: maps/tours/view/8252
Giorgio.ponticelli-v2: maps/tours/view/8616
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

Considering the Contest #1 review, everyone who sent his route is free to check it and fix it according to the standards until the deadline

You have until may, take your time
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by Belgian4444 »

Presentation per stage in the spoiler. Full route: maps/tours/view/8416

A short Grand Tour (3100 km), but action-packed. Lesser climbers can hang on until stage 13, but from there the favourites will have to show themselves. About 5 mass sprints + some stages where sprinters might be able to hang on.

Italian regions with start and/or finish: Calabria, Basicilata, Puglia, Molisse, Campania, Lazio, Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Fruili, Trentino, Lombardia, Piemonte, Liguria, Toscana
Spoiler!
Stage 1: Tel Aviv (TTT)

Image

Not the shortest TTT, not the longest, all set in Tel Aviv. No major difficulties, so there should be some gaps in the GC, but overall those shouldn't be too big.

Stage 2: Tel Aviv - Jerusalem

Image

Image

Image

A perfect opportunity for the hill specialists to have their chance to wear the pink jersey. Ramat Razi'El should thin the peloton and/or create the chance for a small group to breakaway, where Mount Herzl could be the scene of the start of a solo effort but it could also mean that the tactical battle brings the peloton back.

Stage 3: Bet Shemesh - Asjdod

Image

The first mass sprint finishes with a straight of 1km.

REST DAY

Stage 4: Rosano Stazione - Maratea (Statua del Cristo)

Image

Image

Finally we get to Italy. The last kilometres sees no less than 15 hairpin turns on the climb to the Statua del Cristo in Maratea. It's a tight finish, so the final 2km will be without public on the route. The Abbey, combined with the parking & Santa Catharina a bit lower, provides space for logistics. A hill specialist with an explosive sprint will take the win here and might take over the pink jersey.

Stage 5: Francavilla in Sinni - Altamura

Image

A second sprint stage, but a lot tougher. The first climb of the day will certainly be a wake up call.

Stage 6: Oppido Lucano - Pompeii

Image

Image

Image

Will the hill specialist on top of the GC hang on here? Or will an early attack make it? Not an important stage for the GC riders as they will ride along comfortably, but the riders who want to stay in the top 10 for a while before the first mountains will find this stage crucial for their hopes to have a day in pink.

Stage 7: Pompeii - Bojano

Image

A third sprint stage, but, again, not the easiest one.

Stage 8: Bojano - Montecassino

Image

Image

If you look at the final climb, the riders who were in front in Maratea could battle it out again, but the road is now more difficult. Again, the abbey and parking should provide enough space for logistics in combination with the city of Cassino.

Stage 9: Cassino - Aremogna

Image

Image

Climbers can make their first moves here. Again make-or-break for hill specialists to stay in the running.

REST DAY

At this point, the GC riders main concern should have been hanging on. Some might have found some opportunities to gain a little time here and there, but unless someone had an off-day, the GC should still be wide open.

Stage 10: Ravenna - Padua

Image

Image

Another good shot for a mass sprint.

Stage 11: Martellago - San Michele del Carso (WW1 remembrance)

Image

Image

Not exactly a sprint uphill. If you want to go solo from a peloton, this is the stage to do that. The route goes along the two main rivers that were the scenery of the Italian front during WW1.

Stage 12: Gradisca d'Isonzo - Gorizia (ITT, WW1 remembrance)

Image

Image

An extra stage to remember the battle on the Isonzo. The ITT isn't 100% for the pure TT riders, so the results could bring some small surprises. Expect quite the mix-up of the GC here.

Stage 13: Udine - Passo Pramolo

Image

Image

If some TT specialists got some big gaps, the frustration of the climbers can provide some nice initiatives here.

Stage 14: Enemezo - Tonadico

Image

Image

Image

A few times above 10% for the Cima Coppi. The opportunity for the best downhill specialists to show themselves, or to reduce their distance to the first riders.

Stage 15: Borgo Valsugana - Bréscia

Image

This might be the best stage for an early attack to get to the end. Sprinters won't be in the front at the halfway point. If some are, an interesting cat-mouse game can develop.

REST DAY

A mix-up of the GC should have happened. Some semi-climbers might still have been able to hang on. Gaps shouldn't be too big, but noticeable.

Stage 16: Varese - Alpe di Mera

Image

Image

A very steep end to the day. If a GC rider didn't manage their rest day well, they could lose a lot of time.

Stage 17: Ivrea - Passo della Croce

Image

Image

A short stage. The final climb isn't very hard, but the sequence of three climbs (the first two are very difficult) should lure the climbers to take initiative and attack if they want to get a lead.

Stage 18: Rivoli - Novi Ligure

Image

The last chance for a good, clean sprint.

Stage 19: Novi Ligure - Carasco

Image

Image

Teams who haven't had a win will be desperate to get in the early attack. A sprint is nearly impossible and the GC riders will want to spare their legs. The final climb should give an opportunity for a solo rider.

Stage 20: Sestri Levante - Casone

Image

Image

A steep end to the regular routes. Because of the high percentages, gaps might be small on the top, but the small part after it should lengthen these gaps and bring motivation to attack.

Stage 21: Roma

Image

An individual effort ends the Giro. Climbers better have gathered some advantage over the previous stages.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

Ded-Moroz wrote: 14/02/2018, 10:45 Giro d'Italia
maps/tours/view/8395

Total distance - 3083.56 Km
Sprint stages - 9
Medium mountain stages - 4
Mountain stages - 5
Time trials - 3
MTF - 5
Hill finish - 1
Cima Coppi - Mount Mangart(2060 m)
Your link is missing
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by Crisborto11 »

maps/tours/view/8454

My giro d'italia 2018

tappe storiche:
-Osario del Pasubio
-Fedaia
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by Ded-Moroz »

emmea90 wrote: 20/02/2018, 0:01
Ded-Moroz wrote: 14/02/2018, 10:45 Giro d'Italia
maps/tours/view/8395

Total distance - 3083.56 Km
Sprint stages - 9
Medium mountain stages - 4
Mountain stages - 5
Time trials - 3
MTF - 5
Hill finish - 1
Cima Coppi - Mount Mangart(2060 m)
Your link is missing
maps/tours/view/8395
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by lorenzo.tripodi »

Hello everyone !!!
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by lorenzo.tripodi »

Day to all, I present my Giro : maps/tours/view/8441

This is the track : Image
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by jsavi »

My race for the contest:
maps/tours/view/8327

The three rest days will be after the Israelian stages, Bologna and Biella.
The WWI will be remembered in the stages finishing in Vittorio Veneto and Gorizia
Last edited by jsavi on 28/02/2018, 23:12, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by Lorenzo06 »

maps/tours/view/8506
:asd: it's the my giro d'italia of contest
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

For all the contest competitors

Remember to indicate CLEARLY in the description of the Tour WHERE the rest days are. Of course the first one will be after the three israelian stages but you have to write down the other two somewhere.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by jibvalverde »

Hey,

I just finish my Giro but i have a question before to formalize my tour. I remember we can't take key part of stages og Giro 2017 but can we take key part of Giro 2017 if it's not a key part at all in our Giro ? Like take Oropa in first climb or climb Grappa+Foza in first half of a stage ? Thanks for the answer and, if i must, i will change but i'd like my Giro now^^
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

jibvalverde wrote: 28/02/2018, 15:40 Hey,

I just finish my Giro but i have a question before to formalize my tour. I remember we can't take key part of stages og Giro 2017 but can we take key part of Giro 2017 if it's not a key part at all in our Giro ? Like take Oropa in first climb or climb Grappa+Foza in first half of a stage ? Thanks for the answer and, if i must, i will change but i'd like my Giro now^^
It's not a good thing as evaluation point, but yes you can and it won't give you any penalty.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emilio.torre »

maps/tours/view/8718

This my second track for this Giro's 2018 contest

In this track there are :
6 stage for Sprinters
6 medium mountain stage
6 high mountain stage
1 prologue time trial
1 pursuit hillclimb time trial
1 individual time trial

The theme stage are
Stage 4, 5 & 6 are dedicated to World War I memorial
Stage 12 is dedicated to Michele Scarponi
Stage 17 is dedicated to Padre Pio's 50th anniversary

The are 3 rest\transfer days
1st Transfer day - from Tel Aviv to Trieste by plane
2nd Rest day - Forte dei Marmi
3rd Transfer day - from Fisciano to Lecce
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by nat63 »

Hello, are the descent of Colle di Sampeyre and Fauniera practicable ? |schum
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by emmea90 »

nat63 wrote: 24/03/2018, 14:11 Hello, are the descent of Colle di Sampeyre and Fauniera practicable ? |schum
Tecnically they are dangerous. They are asphalted but too risky. Giro actually didn't go there because if someone had an accident would be their responsability.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by simone.galbiati »

hello, my second attempt to this contest:https: //www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/tours/view/8807

there are

2 ITT (first 8km second 30km)
5 flat stages
5 medium mountain stages (1 with MTF)
9 mountain stages (5 with MTF)

ww1 stages are 14th (passage in Caporetto and Friulan area) and 16th (end in Campana dei Caduti)
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by Pereiroseleccion »

My second Giro. WWI remembered in Rovereto, Sappada and Vittorio Veneto. Rest days after stages 3, 9 and 15.

maps/tours/view/8343

By the way, I edited the first one removing the ascent of Foza included in 2017 Giro
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by david.tuci »

maps/tours/view/8361

This is my version of Giro d'Italia: it reminds the penultimate Giro ending in Rome, the 2009 edition with the last week in Southern Italy. Compared to 2009 edition this one goes more South to have finish in more regions.
First three stages are in Israel: the first two not too distant from real ones, the third goes Nord instead South, ending 200 m under sea level.
There are finishes in 16 regions: Toscana (il Ciocco), Liguria (Arenzano), Val d'Aosta (Aosta), Piemonte (Arona), Lombardia (Brescia Monte Maddalena and Sirmione), Trentino Alto Adige (Torri del Vajolet), Friuli Venezia Giulia (Redipuglia), Veneto (Monte Grappa), Emilia Romagna (Lugo di Romagna), Marche (Filottrano), Molise (Termoli), Basilicata (Grassano), Calabria (Praia a Mare), Campania (Rifugio Calvanico), Abruzzo (Block Haus), Lazio (Roma). A stage starts in Apulia (San Severo).
4 stages reminds of I world war: Trento-Torri del Vajolet (it starts near Castello del Buonconsiglio, where was executed Italian hero Cesare Battisti), Redipuglia (memorial of I WW), Monte Grappa (memorial of I WW), Lugo di Romagna (city of Francesco Baracca, I WW aviator).
Other than Israel another stage ends in a foreign country, San Marino.
The second time trial is in the tradition of wines time trial of the giro (Prosecco, Barolo, Chianti, Sagrantino): this one is dedicated to the Verdicchio, ending in Filottrano, the city of Michele Scarponi.
Rest days after stage three (air transfer from Israel to Pisa), nine (Sirmione) and fifteen (Filottrano).
Other details in single stage profile.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by david.tuci »

maps/tours/view/8360

This is a correct version of Giro d'Italia: there is no more the finish at Block Haus, that could have been penalized cause there was in 2017 Giro too (though the fnish in my version was different and higher).
It reminds the penultimate Giro ending in Rome, the 2009 edition with the last week in Southern Italy. Compared to 2009 edition this one goes more South to have finish in more regions.
First three stages are in Israel: the first two not too distant from real ones, the third goes Nord instead South, ending 200 m under sea level.
There are finishes in 16 regions: Toscana (il Ciocco), Liguria (Arenzano), Val d'Aosta (Aosta), Piemonte (Arona), Lombardia (Brescia Monte Maddalena and Sirmione), Trentino Alto Adige (Torri del Vajolet), Friuli Venezia Giulia (Redipuglia), Veneto (Monte Grappa), Emilia Romagna (Lugo di Romagna), Marche (Filottrano), Abruzzo (Gran Sasso d'Italia), Molise (Campitello Matese), Basilicata (Grassano), Calabria (Praia a Mare), Campania (Rifugio Calvanico), Lazio (Roma).
4 stages reminds of I world war: Trento-Torri del Vajolet (it starts near Castello del Buonconsiglio, where was executed Italian hero Cesare Battisti), Redipuglia (memorial of I WW), Monte Grappa (memorial of I WW), Lugo di Romagna (city of Francesco Baracca, I WW aviator).
Other than Israel another stage ends in a foreign country, San Marino.
The second time trial is in the tradition of wines time trial of the giro (Prosecco, Barolo, Chianti, Sagrantino): this one is dedicated to the Verdicchio, ending in Filottrano, the city of Michele Scarponi.
Rest days after stage three (air transfer from Israel to Pisa), nine (Sirmione) and fifteen (Filottrano).
Other details in single stage profile.
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Re: Giro d'Italia 2018 (Cat. 1, deadline on 4/5)

Post by chuimiento »

Here is my Giro d'Italia:

This is my proposal for the redrawn of the Giro d'Italia.

maps/tours/view/8848

The three rest days are placed in the following:
- From Stage 3 to Stage 4 (Transfer Israel-Catania)
- From Stage 9 to Stage 10 (Transfer Melfi-Pescara)
- From Stage 15 to Stage 16 (Gorizia-Lecco)

Great Start: Israel. The first three stages are placed in Israel, featuring the city of Tel Aviv in the first and third stages, and starting the second stage in West Jerusalem.
Finish: Rome.
Regions which host a start or finish: 15 (Sicilia, Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzi, Marche, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Trentino, Friuli, Lombardia, Piamonte, Valle d'Aosta, Umbria, Lazio).
WWI Remembrance stages: 4 (Stages 12, 13, 14 and 15).

The main summary of the route is:
21 stages
8 flat stages
7 high mountain stages (4 MTF)
3 medium mountain stages (1 MTF)
3 individual time-trials (65.92 kms)
Total distance 3197 km
Spoiler!
Stage 1 Tel Aviv - Tel Aviv
First stage is the usual ITT, in this case in Tel Aviv. Totally flat, it develops through principal streets of the city, in the seashore.
The TT has 12 km so it isn't prologue, and so gaps can be slightly higher.
Image

Stage 2 West Jerusalem - Haifa
First line stage is a long, medium mountain stage. Start with small climbs like Mount Herzel around Jerusalem would serve for the formation of the breakaway. Central part of the stage is totally flat and final two climbs will be a good scenario for punchers, probably without movements for the GC.
This stage is thought to generate some spectacle in the first early days, instead of wasting the Israel geography with only flat stages.
Image

Stage 3 Acre - Netanya
Totally flat stage. 3rd category climb at the middle should serve for the KOM jersey only, so far from finish line. Last km are at the seaside which maybe could mean wind. Anyway it seems a good opportunity for sprinters.
Image

REST DAY

Stage 4 Catania - Torre Faro
Short, flat stage through the Sicilian east coast.

The only Sicilian stage of this Giro starts in Catania, one of the principal cities of Sicilia. This has been chosen, equally to real Giro, because it has one of the biggest airports of South Italy, allowing a comfortable transition from Israel.

Although the Sicilian geography allows high mountain stages (for example with the proximity of Etna volcano and every uphill road that approaches it) the stage will be almost completely flat. It's only stage 4 and first week seems more adequate for flat or hilly stages. All the stage goes through the coast, and wind could be a relevant factor. Muro de Taormina in the middle part of the stage is the hardest climb of the route, although small cotes near Messina could encourage a late attacker to surprise the peloton and avoid mass sprint.
Image

Stage 5 Catona - Siderno
Complicated stage between flat and medium mountain features.

The Giro arrives at continental Italy with a complete stage around Calabria. The first part of the stage is really hard, with a early climb of an unexpected muro in the streets of Reggio Calabria and the great climb of Monte Embrisi with almost 17 km of upwards road. This first two climbs should generate a big fight for a large breakaway with quality names.

Second part of the stage is easier, alternating flat, seaside portions with some climbs intercalated. This should create a tug-of-war between the breakaway and the peloton, being enough for a strong breakaway to keep their distance until the end of the stage.
Image

Stage 6 Vibo Valentia - Castrovillari
Long, hilly stage crossing the Calabrian peninsula.

After a downwards and flat start, middle part of the stage becomes really hard, with 1st category climb of Passo di San Mazzeo, followed by a leg-breaking area with constant climbs and downfalls. This part of the stages could prevent control of the race, favouring breakaways and some crazy moves.

After that, a flat segment after Cosenza should serve for the peloton to control the race and regroup until the two last climbs. Those climbs are not very hard but they are linked and very close to the finish line, which came after a short flat after the last climb, with no descent.

This stage could be won by a solo attacker or a sprint of a reduced group. Movements for the GC are not expected but classic specialists could be favoured by the type of stage.
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Stage 7 Scalea - Agropoli
This Stage 7 is another mixed flat/medium mountain route. It shares features with its sister stages 5 and 6. With the previous stage it shares a complicated middle-part and the presence of two short final climbs; and, with stage 5, the ride through the seashore and the climbing start. Nevertheless, the stage is tag as "Plain" because of the mainly flat 50 km and the final 10 km that separates the final climb from the finish line.

This stage runs around the Tirrenian coast of Calabria, Basilicata and Campania, where the stage ends. This is a very mountainous area, where the Appeninos grow near to the coast. Because of this, the stage could have been much harder, but the riders will pass by the coast avoiding the principal dificulties, which will come out in further stages.

The first part of the stage comes in parallel to the sea. Some climbs show up in this scenario, speccialy the starting 4th category climb and the incredibly steep Grotte di Maratea, both of which could serve to shape a large breakaway.

The middle part moves away from the coast, showing longer climbs and an unstable relief.

Finally, last 50 km return to the coastline in a hilly environment. Final climbs to Cosentini and specially the Castellabate one could break the group or the breakaway until the finish line or keep a group for a reduced mass sprint.
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Stage 8 Battipaglia - Sorrento
Here it comes the first high mountain stage of the Giro. With eight climbs, six of them are 2nd or 1st category, it is called to be one of the decisive stages of all the Giro long, and clearly the most important one of the first part of the race.

The stage has two differentiated parts, the first one goes in the proximities of the city of Salerno and the second fraction goes through and crosses the Sorrento peninsula in a continous link of climbs.

The first km are flat between the cities of Battipaglia and Salerno. After that, not a flat meter will appear until the finish line. After Salerno, a 2nd category climb does a back and forth path towards Salerno again. After this, a smooth uphill crosses the peninsula into a densely populated area in the populations of Nocera Inferiore and Pagani. This first part should be enough for the formation of a large breakaway.

This area doesn't features too much time since the road comes in the mountainous Peninsula again, this time with three 2nd category climbs chained and linked. This middle-part should allow the breakaway to enlarge its advantage in front of the peloton.

Finally, after the pass through the town of Castellamare di Stabia, the main course of the stage starts. The big ascension of Monte Faito in a very narrow road will make at least a reduced selection of riders resting 40 km until the end. In the best case, differences could be made between the favourites of the GC. After it, a long descent to the Sorrento area and a last detour towards the last climb of the day, the Picco Sant'Angelo, with not very steep slopes but with the fatigue of his stage surely will make differences. Finally, after a fasr downhill road, the stage ends in the town of Sorrento
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Stage 9 Torre del Greco - Melfi
To finish the first week and before a new rest day, a transition stage comes out. Although it is catalogued as "medium mountain" it has less denivel than their sister stages 5, 6 or 7. Nevertheless, the final km of the stage are better for late attacks and avoid the possibility of a mass sprint.

The stage goes from Campanian coast to the interior of South Italy. finishing in the region of Basilicata in a stage principally located in the region of Campania.

The first part of the stage starts right behind the Vesuvio, in the densely populated Napoli Metropolitan Area, in the population of Torre del Greco. After this, the route pass through the ruins of old Pompei and goes on through some large populations of the area.

After this, a broken middle part comes out, featuring the 19-km long Monte Terminio, a climb which could enlarge the advantage of the breakaway. Later, a 50 km flat zone will make the race controllable by the teams of short hills specialists, who will make the final effort in the last 15 km of the stage.

This final part contains two chained climbs, not very long or steep, but which get to the top only 8 km before the finish line. To finish, last km is constantly upwards in a constant 6% slope, which will take the riders to the finish line in the town of Melfi.
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REST DAY

Stage 10 Pescara - Ascoli Piceno
The race comes back after the rest day in a new geographical area and with a different type of stage. After the South Italy long, constantly up-and-down stages, it comes the Adriatic coast in a much more flat environment but with the shadow of the Appeninos in this atypical mountain-type stage, with only one climb and in a very short stage.

The route starts in the city of Pescara in the Abruzzos region and the race starts its long way to the North, following the Adriatic coast and finishing in the Marche region.

The stage features the two geographic items of this geographical area, the flat coastal zone and the montainous inland. The first part of the stage (first 100 km) are completely flat and goes though the Adriatic coast, passing by some cities and towns such as Rosetto degli Abruzzi, Port d'Ascoli or usual Tirreno-Adriatico finish-host San Benedetto del Tronto. There, the route comes back again to Porto d'Ascoli, where the route goes inside the Italian territory in research for the city of Ascoli Piceno.

In Ascoli Piceno the difficulties start. After a fast passage through the city, the race faces the large climb of San Giacomo, a 19 km long climb divided in three parts, being the last one the most difficult and steep. After making to the top, a long descent, in a well-conserved and wide road will take very fast the riders back again to Ascoli Piceno, where the stage finishes.

In summary, this stage is a very short, nervous one with all the interest focused on the last climb, which would bring attacks and some gaps, with the added feature of the descent.
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Stage 11 Civitanova Marche - Rimini
Finally, a completely flat stage. The route continues in its route to the North following the Adriatic sea. This stage starts at Civitanova Marche in Marche region and will go in the seashore without detour until the city of Rimini, in the region of Emilia Romagna. The route will follow some important cities and towns of the Adriatic coast, important touristic centers known by the beach and sun tourism.

The whole stage is completely flat because of two small promontories near Ancona and Pesaro, with little climbs next to the sea. The most possible scenario for this stage is the mass sprint, but the closeness to the coast could make the wind a significant factor in the race.
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Stage 12 Cesena - Padova (Villa Giusti) (WWI remembrance)
Absolutely flat stage without any kind of mountainous difficulty. The stage goes in its path to the North touring the Padanian plain (River Po valley), a huge flat territory at the sea level.

The route goes in parallel motion in respect of the coast, but not at the seaside, and passes through swampy areas and crops. At the middle of the stage the riders will cross the Po River, and at the end the riders will face a short circuit through the streets of Padova before exit the city towards the Villa Giusti finish in a probable mass sprint.

This is the first WWI remembrance stage, with its finish in Villa Giusti, the place where the Armistice (end of the war) was signed by Italy and Austria-Hungary.
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Stage 13 Padova - Pian delle Femene (WWI Remembrance)
The race comes back to the mountain with a short, nervous one-climb-stage. It is the first MTF of the race (with the permission of Melfi finish) and the first stage reaching the Alps.

The whole stage is keeped in the Veneto region, featuring thw two main geographical areas of northern Italy: in the first part of the stage, the padanian flat, densely populated and absolutely plain, and, in the final climb, the foothills of the Alps.

The stage conmemorate the area where the Italian front of the WWI was placed, and the decisive battle of Vittorio Veneto, city placed at the foot of the final climb.

The final climb is steep and constant, with slopes between 9% and 12%. The first part and the final two km are less difficult and the most difficult part comes in the middle part of the climb.

Nervous stage, in which the short length and the flat first part will impl that riders will arrive to the final climb with energy, providing the race probably with attacks.
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Stage 14 Asiago - Passo Vezzena (WWI Remembrance)
This mid-length ITT takes the race to the Trentino region and remembers the Asiago offensive, a 1915 battle located entirely in this place. In that battle, italian forces tried to take Vezzena and Verle forts, placed at the finish of the stage, from Austro-Hungarian hands.

The ITT shows features from flat and climbs time trials. The climb is really easy, without big slopes, and fluctuates constantly between 2% and 5%, so it's not really a flat ITT for specialists, neither a real MTF time trial.
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Stage 15 Belluno - Gorizia (WWI Remembrance)
The last stage of the second week and the last memorial stage of WWI is also the longest stage of this Giro d'Italia.

The stage follows the Italian side of the Italian Front of the WWI, going from the natural border the Alps shapes to the Friulian flat. This two regions were the principal scenarios of the war. The starting town of Belluno belongs to the Veneto region, and afterwards the race will enter the Friuli region, where the stage will end.

The route features two differentiated parts: the first one, mountainous. With three climbs, the race approaches and surrounds Monte Zoncolan, but it doesn't passes through it due to the extreme difficulty of a descent in that incredibly steep road. After this, the second part, completely flat, goes to the South, leaving the mountains always at the left and surrounding them by entering a large plain where the rest of the stage will take part.

This stage looks suitable for early attacks, due to the complicated first part of the stage, specially the 1st category Sella Ciampigotto, a very long climb with 17 km. After this, a face-to-face versus the peloton would be served for the second part of the stage. Also the lenght of the stage will be a handicap, more than 220 km with three scoring climbs will for sure increase the fatigue of the riders, which maybe could make an extra effort knowing the next day is going to be a rest day.

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REST DAY

Stage 16 Lecco - Monte Muggio
The first high mountain stage of the last week is a long, chained climbs one. The route explores the east side of Como Lake and west side of Bergamasque Alps, being the race entirely located in the region of Lombardy.

After the start in the lakeside town of Lecco, 40 flat km will make the first part of the stage a good scenario for the research of a breakaway. After this, the road starts to enter the Bergamasque Alps with three climbs with progressive difficult: Alino, Brembella and finally the large Passo San Marco, with more of 20 km of ascent. This part of the stage could be difficult to control, with a strong breakaway increasing its advantage or with early attacks with tactical goals.

After the descent of Passo San Marco, a flatter fragment comes out, with the exception of a little 3rd category climb. Finally, after passing through Dervio -30 km to the finish-, the final part of the stage takes start. This last part has an unstable relief, with some ups and downs until the final ascent to Monte Muggio. An early attacker could have a try in the 2nd category climb, but the action would be packed in the last climb.
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Stage 17 Como - Premeno
Second stage of the Alps. This route starts in Como, near the famous Como lake, and goes to the West, approaching the Piamonte region in the final part of the stage.

This stage shares some features with the former stage: a less difficult first part, a high climb in the middle part and a complicated finish with several climbs. The main differences are the length (this stage is about 20 km shorter, which will make differences in the riders' attitude), the start of the race (in this case, more hilly, which will be interesting for the formation of the breakaway) and the final part.

In this case, the stage doesn't finishes uphill but with a short ascent, followed by the big 1st category climb of Piancavallo and an important 6km descent.
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Stage 18 Borgomanero - Perloz
Short and transfer stage before the final queen stage and final mountain stage, and third stage of the Alps. The route continues in the Piamonte region and finishes in Valle de Aosta. After two big stages, this one features some climbs but is more favourable to attackers or breakaways.

The main difficulty is the Bielmonte, in the middle part of the stage, near the Oropa Sanctuary. Other minor climbs can be found in the start of the stage and in the final part. The last climb is a short, hard one, only 4 kms but with an average slope of 8%.
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Stage 19 Aosta - Aosta
Finally, the queen stage of the Giro. 213 kms with 7 KOMs, three of them 1st category. The route goes through the central part of Aosta Valley, approaching some climbs of the area, within ski stations, big altitudes and a typical Alpine environment.

After the second pass through the town of Aosta, the two final climbs and the last descent into Aosta again would be decisive for the final GC. It is also specially important the Colle San Carlo in the first part of the race, which with its 11 kms at the 9% it promises early action and a strong breakaway.
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Stage 20 Torino - Torino
Finally, an individual effort to clarify the final GC. A mid-distance, completely flat ITT, which couldn't be enough for a huge comeback, but solve the fight between the riders with little differences in the GC.

A full path through the streets of Torino will show the final outcome of this Giro.
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Stage 21 Terni - Roma
Final stage, as usual, is an easy walk, this time in the streets of Rome.

The stage starts in the town of Terni, in the Umbria region, and passes into the Lazio soon, after a hilly first part. After it, the route enters the valley of Tevere river, following it towards the city of Rome. The final circuit features the Via Cristoforo Colombo, one of the biggest avenues in Rome, surrounds the Circo Massimo and passes by the Terme of Caracalla. The finish line, although it is placed in a slighthly upwards road, should not be enough to avoid the final mass sprint with the survivor riders of the race.
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