Stage 6 of the Giro d’Italia takes place tonight, and it’s an undulating course that looks to play into the hands of a breakaway. Join us as we cover all the action of the first of the Grand Tours. Wheels down at 7:40PM AEST.
Although this years Giro d’Italia route may not have looked as mouthwatering on paper when compared to the 2011 edition, the first few stages have provided more than enough thrills and far too many spills.
Stage 5 was no exception with Taylor Phinney spending more time on the floor after his stage 3 crash and the TTT cyclo-cross escapade, Garmin-Barracuda demonstrating their strength in depth with a strong sprint finish from Robbie Hunter to finish 4th and (another) master class in sprint trains from Sky and Orica-GreenEDGE.
The riders left a very windy Modena and headed in an almost arrow straight route from towards Fano. Taylor Phinney had ‘issues’ and was left to fend for himself and fight back to the peloton. With around 27km still to go Androni Giocattoli’s Alessandro DeMarchi was off the front alone with over a minute on the bunch.
However, with a fast and sweeping descent followed by a flat run in for the final 15km the lone escapee stood little chance of giving his Italian squad some positive Gazzetta press coverage and played into the hands of the charging peloton.
With Tyler Farrar already dropped, the South African National Champion, Robbie Hunter, looked to be Garmin-Barracuda’s bunch sprint hope as GreenEDGE and Team Sky organised their leadout trains.
With a show of true sprinting brilliance, Team Sky overcame some physical and mental bumps that have been caused over the last few days to slingshot Mark Cavendish across the line half a bike length before Matt Goss finished the day’s route.
With little to no change in the GC from stage 5, the undulating profile of stage 6 should play into the hands of a breakaway that contains the right riders who are not a threat to the GC contenders.
The major talking point of the day and one that has the potential to catch anyone out if they are not paying attention is the 4km of unpaved roads that are included in this stage.
Not strictly ‘strade bianche’, the Passo della Cappella climb tops out at 15% halfway through the stage and could be the perfect springboard for a successful breakaway.
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Thanks to everyone for reading and commenting. Keep an eye on the Roar from the Crowd for a stage recap very soon
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
A great days racing and its really mixed up the GC with Adriano Malori in pink for tomorrow
Russ Mullo
Guest
great call cheers
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Malori and Golas need to get their asses in gear
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Well done Miguel Angel Rubiano. Great ride and has looked strong to the end. I think you'll find I previewed a breakaway win! Genius!
tourdecouch
Roar Guru
nice!
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
I don't know. Today is going to mix it up nicely before some of the bigger climbs. I've enjoyed todays stage
Russ Mullo
Guest
Grand tour should start hilly, sprint stages mid tour & finish on a stage like today.
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
A brilliant ride by Rubiano today. He's going to take the stage with a very classy ride
tourdecouch
Roar Guru
Hey Russ. Good to see you here! he said himself he was only brought in for the TTT, he was pretty buggered, this stage is more punishing that it looks on the profile esp with kms in the legs.
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Just heard Tyler Farrar is out... he's a bit too tired. At least he wont have to finish behind Cav anymore
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
By my calculations Rubiano will need 1'25" over the chasers at the finish to wear pink tomorrow. Thats with the 20" for stage win
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
It's not a day for Orica-GreenEdge today. You'd be forgiven for thinking they've taken the day off, they haven't been shown at all!
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Still some fireworks to come as Malori and Golas, 2 of the 4 chasers, could take pink tonight depending on the lead Rubiano has over them at the finish.
Russ Mullo
Guest
don;t mention any green edge riders .. don't want them jinxed :) pretty poor ride from pink tho.
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Helicopter shots showing a donkey wearing a pink cape. I thought it was Navardauskas at first... but it's definitle a donkey in a field.
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
With 20km to go, I think Rubiano is going to stay away... there I've said it... and jinxed him!
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Rubiano took a very cheeky (and long) pull behind the camera bike there. Naughty naughty
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
HAHA thanks! Big shoes to fill!
Stevie Dexter
Roar Rookie
Rubiano is churning the gears, still out on his own. He's been looking good but seems to be feeling it now. It's been a terrifically hard down for what is classed as a 'transition' day heading into the mountains.