Stage 13: Busseto – Cherasco
Distance: 254km
Highest point: 714m
Category: Flat
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
The Giro moves into Fausto Coppi’s Piedmont and rides, as near as makes no difference, right past his doorstep. Flat for the opening 190 kilometres, the Giro's longest stage will roll through the sumptuous vineyards of the Langhe before concluding at Cherasco, close to Cuneo. Balocco, the new sponsors of the pink jersey, are close by in Fossano, so the Giro needs to be on its best behaviour today. Attacks will go on the climb to Narzole, seven teasing kilometres out but ultimately this is likely to be won by a sprinter.
Stefano Zanatta says: "After this, the velocisti are pretty much done until the last day. The stage reminds me of the Tour of Piedmont in that it’s totally flat for 190 kilometres, then up and down for the last 50. I think that one of the sprinters will probably make it but, if they do, they’re going to have their work cut out. Whoever wins, sprinter or not, is going to be right on top of their form, because tiredness will start to be a major factor now."
-
For the love of Paris-Roubaix – Girmay, Dygert and every Hell of the North finisher emotional after making it to the velodrome
'I have pain everywhere but it's a beautiful race' says Biniam Girmay as he achieves best-ever finish for an African male rider -
Sean Kelly's Classics Column: Only a mistake cost Tadej Pogačar in Paris-Roubaix – he'll be back to win soon
The nine-time Monument winner reflects on Van der Poel's win, a costly mistake from Pogačar, and what Ferrand-Prévot's win means for the rest of the season -
Best bike brands: Bicycle companies we trust
The bike brands we rate highly at Cyclingnews and a guide to available marques -
Paris-Roubaix medical updates – From fractures for Ballerini and a bloodied face for Küng to lucky escapes for Theuns and Ferguson
The accumulating injury reports from a brutal weekend of racing at the Hell of the North
