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Yesterday’s Team Trial through the streets of Belfast culminated in a glorious day for Aussie cycling fans, with our home grown team, Orica-GreenEDGEtaking out the much anticipated victory.
Not only did the Aussie outfit win the stage they had clearly earmarked to win but in true Aussie spirit the team ensured that Canadian rider, Svein Tuft got to wear the Maglia Rosa as a 37th birthday present.
Sadly, the day couldn’t have been any more opposite for Garmin-Sharp and particularly, their Irish captain, Dan Martin.
An absolutely sickening crash brought down half the team and ended Martin’s Giro dreams.
He was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone although I think the prospect of not being able to complete the stages in Northern Ireland and Ireland possibly hurt just as much.
Today’s 219 kilometre stage is a circuit beginning and ending in Belfast. The second half of the stage will see the riders travel along the coast and this could really open up the race if the weather plays a part.
While the stage is fairly flat for the first 80 kilometres or so, the first of two climbs comes around the 126 kilometre mark. Any descent can be tricky and if it’s a little wet, things could get interesting.
Riders will also have to contend with some narrow roads and a sharp left turn leading in to the final straight.
All in all, it should be an exciting and action packed day of racing.
The stage should end in a sprint with Team Giant-Shimano’s Marcel Kittel the favourite to take out stage honours.
This isn’t to say the stage is a forgone conclusion.
Orica-GreenEDGE’s, Michael Matthews may just be able to sneak a victory if he can get away from Kittel and the fellow sprinters.
Canondale’s Elia Viviani showed some good form in the Tour of Turkey and FDJ’s Nacer Bouhanni, who is still hunting a maiden Grand Tour stage victory, may also feature.
Join me from 10.30 pm AEST for tonight’s live blog.
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