2010 Giro di Sardegna Preview
by Chris Brewer
Team RadioShack Riders: Jani Brajkovic, Matthew Busche, Ben Hermans, Chris Horner, Geoffroy Lequatre, Dmitriy Muravyev, Ivan Rovny & Markel Irizar. Director: Alain Gallopin
The 5-stage Tour de Sardegna begins Tue, Feb 23 on the large island off of Italy’s west coast and runs through Saturday the 27th. While not on the official Pro Tour calendar, the boys from The Shack will face the likes of teams Liquigas, Lampre, Katusha, and BBox Bouyges Telecom and a host of Continental riders in the 127 man peloton.
*** Pro cycling explained: this race is rated “2.1” by the UCI. According to a CyclingNews article - “The number listed first is either a 1 or a 2, indicating that the race is either a single day or a stage race. The second number indicates what type of race it is. The higher the numbers, the lower the classification of the race in terms of UCI points, prize money, and number of top teams allowed to start. Thus, a 2.1 race will typically attract a stronger field than a 2.4 race”
While a training race for most (when riders are more about building fitness and racing form than gaining a result) there is still considerable horsepower in the pack. Names like Kreuziger, Nibali, Hondo, and veteran 2000 Giro d’Italia winner Garzelli will certainly bear watching, but it’s the presence of super sprinter Allesandro Petacchi that will cause the most concern in the sprint finishes. “Ale Jet” already has two victories in 2010 and has 21 career Pro Tour wins.
But unlike recent early season races this race does not favor a sprinter for the overall title, in fact I would look hard at RadioShack’s Jani Brajkovic and Chris Horner as leading contenders for the win. Stage 1 is a tough uphill finish but the GC race could very well be decided on Stage 2’s serious uphill finale ascent, perfect for either Jani or Chris. Stages 3 and 4 are “up and down” days for sure, but probably not enough to get rid of the strong sprinters and nor lose the race leader. And Stage 5 is a flat drag race to the line, a classic thundering herd.
Stage 1
Weather shouldn’t be too much of a factor with temperatures topping out in the mid to upper 60sF / 17-18C. Rain is very possible in the two difficult early stages before the sun comes out in the final three. It’ll be a good test for the boys and some definite chances to add to the 2010 Team RadioShack victory list!
Official website: http://www.ilgirodisardegna.it/frontend/ilgirodisardegna/
Photo: Graham Watson
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