Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: More Televised Winter Baseball, Please

Giro dell'Emilia: Who What Where

Emilialogo_medium

Italy's Third Monument goes off tomorrow for the 100th year (92 editions). I'll laud its greatness in a second post, but for now here are the basics that you should know.

1. It's Hard

While Emilia may be home of the Po Valley, one of Italy's largest rivers, it's blessed with more than enough Appennini to make for a grueling race... and to raise its share of great cyclists. The latter starts with the late Marco Pantani... and now that we've made our Pantani reference, we can move along. Anyway, the race follows the valley from Sassuolo east to the outskirts of Bologna, where the race finishes, but not before a long detour out to the region's bigger climbs. See for yourself:

Full_altimetria_medium 

Those two pointy outcroppings in the middle are the Appenine climbs: the Monzuno and Loiano. They appear to cover about the same altitude gain in about the same distance, and while I can't find any details about the Monzuno, Climbbybike.com says the Loiano is 6.74km at an average grade of 5.8%. Assume for now that the Monzuno is roughly similar, though of course climbs are like snowflakes. Anyway, between the two, the riders will gain some 900 meters in a span of 20km (including the descent). This should shed a sizeable number of domestiques and non-contenders, though they're too early to truly decide the race. The last couple years an early break has taken the mountain points, only to succumb to the chase before or just into the final circuits, where the outcome happens. I suspect this is a well-established pattern.

Bolognasanlucavonoben_lr_1__medium2. It Happens Late

The final circuit climbs up to San Luca, a section of Bologna famous for its arcade of 666 porticos, one of the longest arcades in the world. As you can see from the photo on your right, it's also perched (like so many of Italy's wonderful sights) atop a leg-busting little hill, which the riders climb five times, including the last 2km of the race. This is generally where the deal goes down, though whether that happens in the last 100 meters or in a daring escape further out is for the protagonists to decide. Last year it was Danilo DiLuca at the line; the year before Frank Schleck attacked at the bottom.

The devil is in the details. Climbbybike rates the average as 10.8%. The climb starts out at 14% and stays in the 12-13 range until the first flat. Then it juts upward, and while climbbybike doesn't give a max, there is a good 100 meters at 16.5%, and another 200+ meters at over 13%, before levelling off. Last ramp is about 8%. This is gonna hurt.

Ultimi_altimetri_medium

3. It's Popular

Just a quick rundown of the startlist. Among the protagonists are a large number of riders aiming for Lombardia, and unlike the Coppa Sabatini, at Emilia they're out to win. Rarely do riders double at Emilia and Lombardia -- the only ones I can see after a brief look are Michele Bartoli (2002), Eddy Merckx (1972) and Fausto Coppi (1947, 48). But Emilia's honor roll encompasses the greats of the sport, even in recent times: Ullrich, Basso, Simoni, Rebellin, Schleck and DiLuca. OK, so we know a little too much about several of those riders -- sadly, that's cycling -- but at least it tells you this race isn't for punters.

This year's crop is led by World Champion Cadel Evans and perennial fall favorite Damiano Cunego. Other big names: Ivan Basso, Vlad Karpets, Jani Brajkovic, Kim Kirchen, Thomas Lovkvist, Robert Gesink, Peter Velits, Leenoos Gerdemann, Alexandr Kolobnev, Giovanni Visconti, Domenico Pozzovivo, Juan Soler and Michele Scarponi.  Evans won't have Philippe Gilbert with him, nor will Cunego have noteworthy support. Rather, the strongest teams start with Saxo Bank: Kolobnev, always hot this time of year, has help from Jens! Voigt, Jakob Fuglsang, the Sorensens, and Gustav Larsson. Juggernaut. Next would be Serramenti, IMHO -- Scarponi isn't exactly on fire, but he and two Berts (Bertolini and Bertagnolli in this case) make a pretty formidable home trio, after the latter's third at the Coppa Sab yesterday. Then there are names: Columbia is always loaded on paper, and Lovkvist's success in Italy would make him a good match if I thought he were on any real form. Astana truly can't be overlooked: Brajkovic was good in the worlds ITT, and has Chris Horner and Alexandre Vinokourov (oy) for help. Gerdemann presumably captains a Milram team of Velits and Fabian Wegmann. That's probably your top five squads, I would estimate.

Live video will be determined; keep fingers crossed and be prepared to get up early. We will be here.

Comment 36 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

I don't think you'll see Evans or Cunego burn too many matches

They just ride hard enough to get some last minute training in before the big one. That said, if either is there at the end, they’ll both go for it. I didn’t get to watch Sabatini but it sounds like Cadel was an animal. Maybe the WC jersey has lit something in him. But for the win, I’m gonna go with Kolobnev. That guy just oozes class, just needs to have a little bit of luck to go with it. Sounds like he has a first rate squad and obvious form, so who knows.

If I just had one more gear, I...

by SpunOut on Oct 9, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Cadel

I think he’s trying to represent the jersey well, and Italy/Ticino (SW) is his second home, so he might be more emotional than calculating here.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

He might make himself some fans if he’s not careful. That and Silence might win a few more races with him and Gilbert in similar races.

If I just had one more gear, I...

by SpunOut on Oct 9, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

What is it with Kolobnev and CSC?

can he only get a start when Bjarne starts to fall asleep at the end of the season. If past years are any guide then he’s due to do something impressive about now.

by Monty. on Oct 10, 2009 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Does Piti fancy himself a true sprinter?

I can’t see any other reason why he would be doing Paris-Tour over this….oh riiiiiight

"It looks like talking, but it’s just words that comes out"
~ Andy Schleck

by Hons on Oct 9, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions  

hehe, there's just that little issue with Italy he has

although I’m surprised CdE isn’t at Emilia, I’d think this finish is well suited for J-Rod.

Dammit Elk! I don't care if it's your mating season, you are disturbing my peaceful sleep! Just STFU!

by Phil H. on Oct 9, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I see Wegmann as the captain at Milram

for this race, with Leenos just below. Though, I wouldn’t give those abandoning Velits boys much freedom.

by brunopitton on Oct 9, 2009 3:40 PM EDT reply actions  

+1

Wegmann seems to have recovered a back injury/problem in late summer based on his performance at Worlds. He’s experienced and has results at hilly fall classics IIRC. I see him as darkhorse at Emilia and even Lombardia, but some of that is wishful thinking as he’s on my VDS (a steal at 4pts.)

by M. Anatole on Oct 9, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only P. Velits has the talent to make something out of it no?

M. Velits seems more of a nice supporting ridfer who can attack 200km

by Frinking on Oct 9, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Humor me here. My brain is a bit foggy today

but didn’t a stage of the 2009 Giro finish on the climb up the beautiful Portico di San Luca? For me, that was the most memorable finish of the Giro this year. That ride up the hill with the Portico di San Luca was fantastic to watch. So beautiful.

Thank you for the preview Chris. I hope we get live video. I am excited to watch this one. 5 times up that climb? Should be fun to watch.

by ZoeRochelle on Oct 9, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions  

yep

Gerrans won & Froome, who had rode really well, ran out of steam and/or gears going up the hill & practically did a U-turn in the road.

by civetta on Oct 9, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

I remember Froome more than Gerrans

it’s not often you see someone at the front blow up so badly.

by Monty. on Oct 10, 2009 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

Gesink?

Is he fully recovered from the Vuelta? He’s got some climby teammates in Mollema, Ten Dam, and Ardila Cano, plus Boom.

by M. Anatole on Oct 9, 2009 4:55 PM EDT reply actions  

No idea what it means but he was keen on his form:

 4×6min: 474w,Hf171; 468w,Hf174; 457w,Hf173; 443w,Hf173

by Frinking on Oct 9, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

My data

4×10″: 375w, Hf192…

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

so is hf really hearbeat?

And that’s damn good? You go back in the amateur peloton?

by Frinking on Oct 9, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

10 seconds

not minutes. 10’ at 375 would cost me my life.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

4x10min: 375w,Hf192

Hf in this case would mean Heart Failure

by peterfish on Oct 9, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

any hopes or leads on any live video for tomorrow morning ?

anyone?

So far neither steephilltv nor cyclingfans mentions the Giro dell’Emilia

by peterfish on Oct 9, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions  

If you have a god to believe in

start praying to him/her/it

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

RAI Tre

has 30 minutes slated for 6pm local. So someone will have cameras on the course.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

adding

that’s not live. Race s/b over by then.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

not Emilia

you’re thinking of Paris-Tours Sunday.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Oct 9, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Definitely.

Really strong start list.

"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'

by Seahorse on Oct 10, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks for this

There is a more current version in the live thread.

"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'

by Seahorse on Oct 10, 2009 7:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

No worries at all :)

"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'

by Seahorse on Oct 10, 2009 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Every sprint, every cobble, every mountain pass from the world of Pro Cycling

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Javino_small
Presenting PdC U-25 VDS 2012!
Sorlin_small
FSA DS - Don't Forget the Frenchies !
Swedish_chef_small
An insight into the minds of Belgians
Picture_002_small
Techs / Mechs - a cheap sense of direction
White_unicorn_160_x_160_small
A friendly reminder... Don't use the c-word!
Small
Ohh Man, a Sprinter Showdown.
Small
Already dreaming of the Giro
White_unicorn_160_x_160_small
Need help picking your FSA Directeur Sportif team? Ask the unicorns!
Small
FSA DS for Dummies
Javino_small
Five Newbies to Watch for 2012

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recommended FanShots

Another Cancer Survivor

Recent FanShots

Mitch Docker talks about his Injury
Can it be Feb 25 already?
A frozen 'cross ride from this last weekend. As you may be aware we have had siberian conditions here in the UK with a low of -14 degrees centigrade here on saturday morning. It was a beautiful sunny morning so i layered up and set off for a snowy 'cross ride along a roman road. I checked the thermometer when i got back to find it had been -10 throughout the ride! I had a lot of fun though and the views were spectacular.
Oh come on
Cowmouflage - Walt "Clyde" Frazier raises the bar
1 week and 3 days to go..! Are you ready?
Spanish government may sue French TV for doping skits
This is funny on so many levels. [Html should open bigger]
New 2012 World Tour stage race in China
Interesting interview with Cancellara

+ New FanShot All FanShots >


Editors

30102_394659898780_714513780_3911404_852720_n_small Chris Fontecchio

Espresso_cup_small Jen See