FanPost

PG - Giro d'Italia 2022 Stage 10

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196k. Starts flat. Finishes bumpy. It’s fair to say it could have been bumpier when you think this area often features during T-A with some really sharp small climbs but it still looks too difficult for most of the sprinters. The last climb is a mathematically pleasing 4.2k averaging 4.2%. It actually is easier at the start and end with the tougher part coming in the middle with a section of just over a k at around 7.5%. Coming under 10k from the finish, it’s a place for those without a sprint to launch. The finish looks straightforward with a rise of a couple of percent through the last kilometre.

The Favourites

This stage is probably best described as similar to the Naples stage but easier. Probably not easy enough for Cav or Ewan the way he’s been riding though. So just like Saturday, the question is who will chase down a break? The obvious two candidates are IWG and Alpecin but that requires the assumption that neither MvdP or Bini get into the break and as we saw, you’d be a fool to assume Matti will just bide his time in the peloton. As I said the other day, where MvdP goes, Bini will follow.

So there would seem to be two possibilities. Another one for the break or an agreement between the two faves to fight it out in a reduced bunch sprint if they either don’t make the break or don’t try. The likes of Nizzolo, Gav and Demare (and possibly Caleb) will need the latter scenario to stand a chance. More likely we’ll get a rerun of stage 8 with the same names having the best chance of a win. The big difference is the flat start. There’s no launch pad which will make it harder for MvdP to get away. On the other hand it’s hard to see who will control the race assuming no one on GC tries to infiltrate a la GMart. So it’s feasible a big group could go up the road and everyone be happy quite quickly if Pink is safe for Trek.

The other difference is there’ll be some strong riders like Cort who missed the break on Saturday and will find it easier tomorrow. So we should get more rouleurs up the road. I’d also like to think that Alpecin and IWG have also realised that they are better to have some help for their leaders. Especially after numbers have helped Jumbo and Lotto win two breakaway stages in the last few days.

I’m guessing the experts will favour a break but I think it’s a real 50/50 scenario. If it doesn’t happen in the first 30k or so, MvdP and Bini might be best to save their legs, let the peloton know they’ll (the teams) be chasing the break down unless it’s a small one and hunt them down later in the day. Either way, the one bet you can make is those teams won’t want to miss a chance for their leaders to take a win.

Of course if you don’t trust me (and who would) have a look at the startlist and make your own minds up.

The Rules

In this game, only the race results matter. You're not committed to keeping the same riders throughout the series, you make fresh picks before every race. Our overall competition is just the sum of individual race scores. You're eligible for the overall even if you miss some races.

Pick 4 riders for the upcoming race. The order of your picks doesn't matter. All of your riders can score.

Riders score points down to 10th place. Less popular riders score more points than heavily-picked favourites. See below for scoring details.

The strict entry deadline is the official start time of the race, the neutralized roll-out or Départ Fictif. Be warned - if your post is timestamped one minute late your entry won't count! So do remember that there's no disadvantage to getting an entry in early, even the day before, because you may always change your picks up until the deadline. Feel free to rethink your picks when it emerges which riders are more or less popular with other players. If you make changes, post your revised 4 picks in a reply to your original post.

The Scoring


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The last 3 races will be secret entry between the top contenders… To avoid defensive picking.

When we say top contenders we leave the number open because who knows how many will be within striking distance...

We will notify you by email if we need you to do a secret entry.

The Results

Head over to msbee's spreadsheet to check how you fared. Any issues, please email us on... LeeVus@alone.com