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Giro d'Italia 2011 stage by stage analysis

Scarponi, Simoni, Zilioli and Moser offer their insights

As the Giro d'Italia celebrates the unification of Italy over a torturous three weeks, Cyclingnews asked Lampre-ISD's Michele Scarponi, two-time winner of the maglia rosa Gilberto Simoni, five-time stage winner Italo Zilioli, along with "Lo sceriffo" 1984-winner Francesco Moser to give us their insight to each stage.

Zilioli points towards stage 9 between Messina and Etna as a race highlight.

"Because it's Sicily, Nibali will target it and Liquigas will ramp it up on the second ascent. It will be epic, and very emotional as they honour the 1908 earthquake victims. I wouldn't be surprised if the winner here wears pink in Milan."

Scarponi meanwhile knows that stage 11 will be a key battleground with a punchy, aggressive climber sure to be on the attack – "I'd better shape up!" he says.

Much of the pre-Giro talk has centred around the inclusion of Austria's Grossglockner in the Dolomites, where Italy's Pierfranco Vianelli took the stage win 40 years ago, however Zilioli says the climb itself won't be that decisive.

Stage 15 will no doubt be brutal with the Giau, the dreaded Fedaia and a long climb on gravel to the Val di Fassa summit finish. These three stern tests are preceded by two other major climbs on a stage that's 229km long. "Somebody will crack here, I'm pretty sure of it, because it's just a war of attrition at this point," predicts Simoni.

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May 7, Stage 1: Venaria Reale - Turin 19.3km

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Venaria Reale – Turin

Celebrating 150 years of Italy

The Giro d'Italia starts its celebration of 150 years since Italian unification with a team time trial around its first capital city, Turin. The 19.3km test isn’t hard in terms of gradient, but there are tight turns where well-drilled squads can make their preparation and team work count. Starting at the Palace of Venaria, the course takes in many renowned landmarks and is similar in length to the TTT that opened 2009’s race in Venice. Back then, Columbia-Highroad’s victory put Mark Cavendish in the maglia rosa and his team will be contenders again, along with Sky, Liquigas, Garmin-Cervélo and Saxo Bank-SunGard.

Details

Distance: 19.3km

Highest point: 258m

Category: Team time trial

Italo Zilioli says...

“It’s my home town and it’ll be spectacular, obviously, but it’s very technical. The danger lies in the tram lines that run through the town centre’s streets, and riders will need to be mindful of them. Liquigas will want to put a marker down here.”

May 8, Stage 2: Alba - Parma 244km

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Alba – Parma

A sprinters' benefit

It's day two and already the riders must tackle the joint-second-longest stage of the race, which is equal in distance to the penultimate one. Heading east from Alba, home of some of the world's most expensive white truffles, stage 2 is flat bar a short climb 30km from the finish. The first rider over the top will wear the 2011 Giro's inaugural mountains jersey, but is unlikely to also celebrate the stage win in Parma, which provides a fitting finale given it will be National Bike Day. Cavendish and other sprinters are likely to be prominent, in view of the dearth of opportunities ahead for them.

Details

Distance: 244km

Highest point: 315m

Category: Flat stage

Scarponi says...

"The usual chaos in the morning. All the teams will want to be in the break, so it may take a while for the right one to stick. The last kilometre is technical, so the sprint will be a nervous affair. I'd be surprised if there aren't any crashes."

May 9, Stage 3: Reggio Emilia - Rapallo 173km

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Reggio Emilia – Rapallo

A new man in pink?

Sprinters will want to take advantage of today, since the peloton's sure to split late on, but fast men with good climbing legs and a strong team could stay up front. The flat finish in Rapallo suits them too but there are complications. The first is the Passo del Bocco, where a series of steep ramps in the final kilometre provide room for attacks. Any who manage to stay away will benefit later from the Madonna delle Grazie climb, after whose summit there's only 8km to the finish. With mere seconds between many riders and the maglia rosa, the race leader will be under pressure too.

Details

Distance: 173km

Highest point: 957m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Simoni says...

"Looks like a really interesting stage. It's a long drag up to the Passo Bracco but the racing will happen on the climb to Madonna del Grazie, 8km from the finish. It probably won't affect the GC but it will be won by a good passista, someone like Visconti

May 10, Stage 4: Genova Quarto dei Mille - Livorno 216km

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Genova Quarto dei Mille – Livorno

San Remo-style finish

The route mainly follows the coast as it heads to Livorno, but bumps inland to climb the Passo del Bracco. This offers a chance for breakaways to get clear, plus the pan-flat costal roads after it are great to build up an advantage. The flip side is that when the sprinters' teams decide to chase, the breakaway and its media caravan will be all too visible. Those in pursuit are likely to prevail but the climb to Montenero provides the sprinters' teams with one final test. This Poggio-like climb won't finish the sprinters off but they'll be chasing hard along the coast, which will blunt finishing speeds.

Details

Distance: 216km

Highest point: 613m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Moser says...

"Over the Bracco at the start and thereafter it's along the coast for 100km. There's also a punchy little climb near the finish, the Montenero. The sprinter's teams will be working hard today but I think someone will jump off and stay away."

May 11, Stage 5: Piombino - Orvieto 191km

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Piombino – Orvieto

More white road mayhem?

Last year's stage on the so-called white roads to Montalcino became an epic when heavy rain turned them to sludge. So it's little surprise to see them again on this undulating stage to Orvieto. The terrain is lumpy even before the riders reach the 23km section of sterrato with 40km left to the finish. Even if it's dry, the GC contenders are sure to be marking each other closely going into the last 40km, given the gaps that opened last year. There's also a chance for the strongest riders to gain time on the climb into Orvieto at the finish, where 200km of hard graft are sure to take a toll.

Details

Distance: 191km

Highest point: 930m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Zilioli says...

"Up and down all day, it looks like a mini Tour of Lombardy! It's made for somebody really strong looking for stage wins. Maybe Garzelli will have a go here and it's possible some small gaps will start to appear on GC."

May 12, Stage 6: Orvieto - Fiuggi 216km

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Orvieto – Fiuggi

Into the Apennines

Stage 6 looks to be an intriguing yet not especially tough stage, but much depends on the weather. If it's wet, the peloton could be reluctant to let breaks get too far clear as there are sure to be many still in with a sniff of the maglia rosa. The route passes to the east of Rome in the lower reaches of the Apennine mountain chain, which bumps up and down all day without reaching any great height. An uncategorised climb in the spa town of Fiuggi Terme is an opportunity for riders who have held something back for the final kilometres, since the final descent will whisk them almost to the finish.

Details

Distance: 216km

Highest point: 450m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Scarponi says...

"There are no mountains points but it's always a hard stage to Fiuggi. I can't see sprinters' teams wasting energy trying to keep it together and I'd expect a group of less than a dozen to come in. It looks made for someone like Vinokourov, if he comes."

May 13, Stage 7 : Maddaloni - Montevergine di Mercogliano 110km

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Maddaloni – Montevergine di Mercogliano

The first summit finish

Montevergine is a regular feature in the Giro's first week, appearing in 2004, when Damiano Cunego took the stage, and 2007, when Danilo Di Luca was triumphant. Both went on to take the overall title. Serra della Strada is a tough leg-loosener before the mid-point and the climb to Montevergine is long at 17km but averages just 5 per cent. Ramps of up to 10 per cent should provide a chance for in-form climbers to break up the main contenders' group, though, even if the time gaps between them aren't likely to be significant. We'll know the riders with serious aspirations on the maglia rosa by tonight.

Details

Distance: 110km

Highest point: 1,260m

Category: Mountain stage

Simoni says...

"It's short at 110km but with a 20km ramp to the finish, I think it'll sort out the GC. It's a sprinters' stage the day after, so contenders won't hold back. It suits Joaquim Rodríguez but Contador and Menchov will want to make a statement here."

May 14, Stage 8: Sapri - Tropea 217km

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Sapri – Tropea

The sprinters emerge again

Hugging the Tyrrhenian coastline and with a profile that suits the likes of Mark Cavendish, Alessandro Petacchi and Jacopo Guarnieri, this stage looks odds-on for a bunch finish. But recent history suggests key domestiques will have to be watchful heading into Tropea. Paolo Bettini won here in 2005 and puncheurs in his mould will have taken note. They'll be looking for any easing of the pace on the dips and rises heading into the finale, and aim to produce an acceleration that provides the buffer required to hold off a fierce pursuit on the uphill run to the line.

Details

Distance: 217km

Highest point: 139m

Category: Flat stage

Moser says...

"There aren't many sprints so the sprinters' teams can't afford to miss out. Italian wildcard teams will want to put on a show but it'll be HTC and Garmin controlling it. On the surface, it's nailed on for Cav or Farrar. It'd be nice to see Petacchi win though."

May 15, Stage 9: Messina - Etna 169km

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Messina – Etna

Blast-off on Etna

Europe's most active volcano is the setting for this potential race highlight. The start will be fast as a break tries to form while heading south from Vincenzo Nibali's home city of Messina. Then the sharp climb to Taormina will warm climbing legs. Soon after comes the first ascent of Etna, rising for nearly 30km to more than 1,600m – not steep but it will be sapping. The descent to Acireale offers some respite but then the route heads up Etna's steeper southern side. The final 25km towards the Sapienza refuge averages 6 per cent and should provide racing fireworks to suit the location.

Details

Distance: 169km

Highest point: 1,892m

Category: Mountain stage

Zilioli says...

"Because it's Sicily, Nibali will target it and Liquigas will ramp it up on the second ascent. It will be epic, and very emotional as they honour the 1908 earthquake victims. I wouldn't be surprised if the winner here wears pink in Milan."

May 17, Stage 10: Termoli - Teramo 159km

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Termoli – Teramo

The race turns north

After the first rest day, the Giro returns to the mainland and turns north up Italy's Adriatic coast. It finishes in the little-known Molise region, one of 17 areas to feature this year, which is due to the unification celebrations. This is probably the most straightforward stage of the race and is one that the sprinters will be determined to stitch up between them. Expect a successful swift pursuit of the day's breakaway, followed by a high-octane finish in Teramo. The breakaways might have some success if the wind gets up off the sea and disrupts the chase behind them, though.

Details

Distance: 159km

Highest point: 255m

Category: Flat stage

Scarponi says...

"It falls after the rest day so it's a bit scary. It's a long drag to the finish so it will be exciting racing. I don't think it will be a sprint but maybe a group of 20 or so. It looks really good for Di Luca, assuming he's not riding for GC."

May 18, Stage 11: Tortoreto - Castelfidardo 142km

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Tortoreto Lido – Castefidardo

Key battleground

While not on the scale of 2010's stage to L'Aquila, the shark-toothed profile of this 144km leg to Castefidardo suggests a day packed with attacks, even among GC contenders. Expect Scarponi, who's on home ground close to the finish, to be among the agitators. Famous for a key battle during the unification campaign, the finishing town of Castefidardo stands high above the countryside.

Details

Distance: 144km

Highest point: 486m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Scarponi says...

"It'll be great for my fans! It'll be aggressive; have a bad day here and you're in trouble. You're looking at a group of maybe six and it's made for a punchy climber. Maybe a Spaniard could do well but it's only 50km from home, so I'd better shape up!"

May 19, Stage 12: Castelfidardo - Ravenna 184km

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Castefidardo – Ravenna

The sprinters' last hurrah

Stages don't come much flatter in the Giro than this one, which is set up for a battle royal between sprinters. Some of them are sure to bail out after today, given the glut of mountain stages ahead, which makes it even more imperative that their teams control the race. They shouldn't have much problem doing so after allowing the break to get some decent TV time early on. Alessandro Petacchi was the last winner in Ravenna back in 2005 and it would be no surprise to see ‘Ale-jet' blast in for the victory again but keep an eye out for Colnago's Manuel Belletti, who's on home turf.

Details

Distance: 184km

Highest point: 122m

Category: Flat stage

Moser says...

"An easy day for everyone bar sprinters' teams. They'll sort it out… and the rest can take it easy

May 20, Stage 13: Spilimbergo - Grossglockner 167km

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Spilimbergo – Grossglockner

Hijinks in Austria

It's been 40 years since the Giro made its only previous visit to Austria's Grossglockner, where Italy's Pierfranco Vianelli took the stage win. Race organiser Zomegnan has chosen not to send the riders to the summit but the climb up to 2,137m will still make the first of three big days in the mountains interesting. The final 6km to the finish averages more than 10 per cent but eases briefly a few kilometres from the finish. There are no ramps as such, just a long, hard grind. This will suit Alberto Contador, who will try to get and maintain a gap over his Italian rivals.

Details

Distance: 167km

Highest point: 2,137m

Category: Mountain stage

Zilioli says...

"Well, it's the first Dolomite stage and so in principle it hadn't ought to be that decisive. That said, Grossglockner is 13km with sections at 14 per cent. This could easily be won by a climber like Pozzovivo or Rujano, not one of the big guys."

May 21, Stage 14: Lienz - Monte Zoncolan 210km

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Lienz – Monte Zoncolan

The decisive blow?

Last year's duel between Ivan Basso and Cadel Evans on the Zoncolan saw the Italian claim a decisive victory in front of thousands of fans.

So it's no surprise that the race is returning here. There are four passes before the final ascent and barely 1km of valley riding between them. The last of them is Monte Crostis, making its long overdue debut. It's sure to be a complicating factor for the overall contenders, since its 15km stretch averages 9 per cent and there are enough ramps to enable a rider to go clear on a good day. Will anyone risk it on the descent too, or will they hold back for the fearsome Zoncolan?

Details

Distance: 210km

Highest point: 1,982m

Category: Mountain stage

Scarponi says...

"The Zoncolan is unambiguous, so this is just for the strongest. I think it suits a pure climber, so I'd say that somebody like Rodríguez is more likely than a Nibali or a Menchov. My chances? What do you think? Do you think I can win the Giro?"

May 22, Stage 15: Conegliano - Gardeccia-Val di Fassa 229km

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Conegliano – Gardeccia-Val di Fassa

The brutality continues

Today's itinerary features the Giau, which at 2,236m is the scene of this year's Cima Coppi prize, awarded to the first rider at the race's highest point. It also holds the dreaded Fedaia and culminates in a long climb to the Val di Fassa summit finish, which has a gravel final section. These three stern tests are preceded by two other major climbs on a stage that's a huge 230km. Expect a long breakaway with climbers who are out of overall contention. They could hold on to decide the day's spoils but if the battle for the pink jersey is still raging, today's victor could well be overall champion too.

Details

Distance: 229km

Highest point: 2,236m

Category: Mountain stage

Simoni says...

"The Giau and Marmolada are both monstrous. Somebody will crack here, I'm pretty sure of it, because it's just a war of attrition at this point. It's difficult to call, but Menchov, if he's good, will be there or thereabouts…"

May 24, Stage 16: Belluno - Nevegal 12.7km

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Belluno – Nevegal

The only way is up

As Zomegnan has shown since 2005, he’s a big fan of the mountain time trial. This year’s follows the second rest day. Although the run up to the resort of Nevegal may not compare to Plan de Corones, it won’t have time trial specialists rubbing their hands with glee either. Apart from a short descent at the start, this stage is all climbing, sometimes steeply so. The middle 4km of the stage averages more than 10 per cent, ramping up to 14 per cent as the route reaches Tornante. Stefano Garzelli won the equivalent stage last year – Contador and Joaquim Rodríguez will have the legs for it too.

Details

Distance: 12.7km

Highest point: 1,047m

Category: Time trial

Moser Says...

“I don’t know about this, it’s anyone’s guess. It’s largely about psychology for the GC lot at this stage. Although it’s only 12.7km, you can’t afford to not be 100 per cent, since you can easily lose two minutes. Look for a pure climber with nothing to lose on GC.”

May 25, Stage 17: Feltre - Tirano 230km

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Feltre – Tirano

The longest day

No stage is straightforward by this point in a grand tour, certainly not one of 230km. But while the route heads west through the Alps, it isn’t overly intimidating despite the presence of two regular Giro climbs. The Passo Tonale featured last year, when Swiss rider Johann Tschopp held off the favourites to win, but doesn’t compare with some of the tests in this region. That goes for the Aprica too. Any riders still clear of the pack when it’s over have reason to be optimistic about success because it’s all downhill to Tirano.

Details

Distance: 230km

Highest point: 1,883m

Category: Mountain stage

Zilioli says...

“Unless it’s really close, I don’t think much will happen among the top guys, because the days before are so ruinous and they still have four big days after it. I’d fancy a long breakaway from somebody like José Serpa of Androni Giocattoli.”

May 26, Stage 18: Morbegno - San Pellegrino Terme 151km

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Morbegno – San Pellegrino Terme

Through Italy’s cycling heartland

Many riders will know today’s roads well, since they pass through one of the heartlands of Italian cycling: the province of Bergamo. After heading towards and alongside Lake Como, the route moves south through Lecco and Bergamo before turning north again towards the town of San Pellegrino Terme. Before that, though, lies the Passo di Ganda. At 1,060m, it isn’t even middling by Giro standards but could still offer an intriguing finale, since the twisting descent off it runs into the finish. Bet on a breakaway staying clear but if the overall title is still up for grabs, watch for action on the descent.

Details

Distance: 151km

Highest point: 1,060m

Category: Mountain stage (medium)

Scarponi says...

“If anybody’s weakening, they’ll get hammered if their team isn’t up to it. I think the stage winner will probably be somebody who can’t win the Giro but at this point it’s all about who’s strongest. I’ve got a feeling about this stage for some reason.”

May 27, Stage 19: Bergamo - Macugnaga 209km

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Bergamo - Macugnaga

Ceasefire before the Finestre?

Back-to-back summit finishes precede the concluding time trial in Milan and this is the least complicated. That said, three weeks into the race any summit ending can throw up surprises. After the desperate fight early on to get into the break of the day, the numbers who make it will be thinned out by the taxing ascent of the Mottarone. A fast descent follows, leading into a long, undulating run into the finish at Macugnaga. The overall contenders should be happy to keep tabs on each other before the much tougher stage just ahead and allow lower placed riders to grab some glory.

Details

Distance: 209km

Highest point: 1,341m

Category: Mountain stage

Simoni says...

“West to the Alps and it’s nice to see the Mottarone in the Giro. It’s a lovely climb and I sealed my Giro there in 2001. It’s quite a long stage given the profile and with a 15km climb up to Macugnaga, it will be full gas. I’d go for Scarponi

May 28, Stage 20: Verbania - Sestriere 242km

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Verbania - Sestriere

Celebrating Sestriere’s centenary

Today, the race heads back through Turin and out into the western mountains for its final climbing test. It’s surprising it’s taken six years for the Colle delle Finestre to reappear at the Giro, given the gripping action it saw in 2005 when Paolo Savoldelli came close to losing the maglia rosa as José Rujano and Gilberto Simoni joined forces against him. Let’s hope for something equally enthralling. The race then climbs to Sestriere, which first appeared on the Giro route 100 years ago. This final summit finish offers a chance for a late shake-up of the overall order and may even deliver a new leader.

Details

Distance: 242km

Highest point: 2,178m Category: Mountain stage

Moser says...

"Savoldelli won the Giro here in 2005 and it was an amazing day. Nothing will happen for 200km, then it’ll all go on Finestre. If it rains, they’ll be sloshing about all over the place and the Giro could be won on the descent before they go back up to Sestriere."

May 29, Stage 21: Milan 31.5km

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Milan - Milan

Spectacular finale in Milan

At almost 32km, this flat time trial brings the race total to just over the grand tour limit of 3,500km. It’s a simple out-and-back test, starting outside the Castello Sforzesco, heading northwest to the Milan exhibition centre, then turning back to finish in the Piazza del Duomo. Three years ago, Marco Pinotti won the equivalent TT into Milan as Alberto Contador claimed the overall title, which could be repeated today. Nibali and Denis Menchov showed last year that they tend to have something in the tank this far into a grand tour, which may also give them a vital edge.

Details

Distance: 31.5km

Highest point: 147m Category: Time trial

Zilioli says...

"Somebody like Pinotti will win but it’s all about the GC here, obviously. No idea who will be in pink but an Italian would be nice in this of all years, eh? My head says Contador or Menchov but I’m going to go for Nibali anyway."