Sprinters back in the limelight
Stage 18 - Thursday, May 28: Sulmona - Benevento, 182km
Route: The sprinters who are left will have been plugging away for almost a week now with their focus very much on this stage, and they'll be determined not to let this chance for glory slip by them. A break will go early and the sprinters' teams will claw it back on the flattish roads during the second half of the stage.
Local Hero: This has never been a stronghold of Italian cycling, and even less so at the moment, after a host of riders from this region have drifted out of the sport. Step forward Giuliano Figueras, Raffaeles Illiano and Ferrara, and Salvatore Commesso.
Procycling's top tip: It could well be an all-Italian sprintfest by now, in which case Lampre's Mirco Lorenzetto will fancy his chances, given his rash of form this season.
Savio speaks: The Benevento stage is for sprinters, but there will be a few riders who may try to blow it up on that first climb. If I had a team that was not working for the overall classification I would send all my men on the front for the Cinque Miglia climb.
I remember 2001, on the stage to Reggio Emilia. We attacked and formed an escape with our Freddy Gonzalez and eventual winner Pietro Caucchioli. We did not have anyone fighting for the classification, so we had nothing to lose.
Benevento is an area known for Mozzarella di Bufala. It is great on its own or with some tomatoes - 'Caprese'.
Stage map
Stage profile
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
WorldTour licence application delay allows Cédrine Kerbaol to terminate Ceratizit-WNT contract
Team owner 'disappointed' to lose Tour de France Femmes stage winner one year before planned end of contract -
Niels Albert: 'One day Thibau Nys will go in the direction' of Van der Poel and Van Aert
Two-time world champion says new European champion has the capability to get close to the level of the two superstars -
Tom Pidcock, Kasia Niewiadoma and Greg LeMond headline Rouleur Live in November
Running from November 14-16, dozens of cycling stars will descend on London amid over 80 brand exhibitors -
€50 million in six years and a €200 million buyout clause – Tadej Pogačar's new contract revealed
'The Tour will be central to my season in 2025' – Slovenian outlines new season goals