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."
Stage 13 map
Article continues below
Stage 13 profile
-
Sean Kelly's Classics column: Sometimes Pogačar doesn't need tactics to win
Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Pogačar -
'Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here' – Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics
How the Belgian getting back on track sets her up perfectly for Flanders and Roubaix -
'Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo' – How former pro Niccolò Bonifazio taught Tadej Pogačar the secrets of Milan-San Remo
'Aero bikes are faster than ever but you've got to know how to use that extra speed' former Italian pro tells Cyclingnews -
'My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today' – Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya
Briton opened up final uphill sprint but overhauled by Dorian Godon and Remco Evenepoel
