This is the first of the three general classification stages which will decide the podium of the Giro d’Italia.
Stage 18 of the race takes the riders on a long, 240-kilometre trek from Muggio to Pinerolo, which has a difficult sting in the final 25 kilometres.
165 kilometres of fairly flat roads is immediately ahead of the peloton as they roll out from Muggio. There are two sprints in these 165 kilometres, in Chivasso (124.5 kilometres) and Rivioli (164 kilometres).
The only classified climb starts with 216 kilometres completed, however there is a sharp 540-metre climb of around 15 per cent in the few kilometres leading into the climb.
The second category climb to Pramartino is brutal, at 4.6 kilometres at 10.5 per cent, with ramps in the middle of the climb at over 15 per cent. The general classification riders could test their legs if they see a weakness of their competitors, however, with massive days in the mountains to come over the next two days, I doubt we will see any moves.
This climb is crested with 20 kilometres to go, it is then a very technical descent for the first five kilometres of the climb, while the next ten are a slight descent. A difficult little punch in San Maurzino is crested with only two kilometres left.
Only a small group of riders will fight out today’s stage, whether it be from the early break, or from a late attack.
Lampre have had a superb tour thus far, with two stage wins coming from Italian Diego Ulissi.
Today is extremely important for him, as it is another big opportunity for a stage win once again, and he is still in with a shout in the points classification. If Ulissi wants to win that jersey, the next three days are of utmost importance, as Nizzolo will likely be at the head of affairs on the final stage.
A stage win here, and going off the front to collect intermediate sprints, might be enough for Ulissi to claim an unlikely blue jersey.
Don’t expect too much from either the GC contenders or those looking for the King of the Mountains jersey. Their time will come over the next two days.