The Giro d'Italia Stage 12 Preview: A Sprint Stage with a Twist
The Giro d'Italia is a cycling race that never fails to captivate, and Stage 12 promises to be a thrilling spectacle. This stage is a sprint stage, but with a twist: it includes some climbing mid-way through, reminiscent of the race to Cosenza where Movistar tried to crack the sprinters, only for Jhonatan Narvaez to emerge victorious. The race dynamics are ever-changing, and this stage is no exception.
In the previous stage, the race climbed out of Tuscany, and Enric Mas and Jhonatan Narvaez made their moves. The former's acceleration on the last marked climb left Chris Harper and Aleksandr Vlasov struggling in the heat. Mas' final attack in the streets of Chiavari was a tactical move, and Narvaez's sprint win felt inevitable. The Ecuadorian's performance has been remarkable, and he has now secured his third stage win.
The race route is a reverse Milan-Sanremo, but with a twist. After 95km, the race heads inland, with the Colle Giovo and the Bric Berton as solid climbs. These climbs are challenging for sprinters, with long 6% sections and some 10% patches. The finish is a straight flat road out of town, with the last three kilometres being a sprint to the line.
The sprinters' teams will be eager to win this stage, as there are only the Milan and Rome criterium stages left for them. Movistar can also aim to set up Orluis Aular for the win. Paul Magnier, from Soudal-Quickstep, can handle some climbs, giving him an advantage today. However, the long finish is open to many, as long as they can cope with the Bric Berton.
The weather is warm, with temperatures reaching 28°C. The TV coverage starts at 1.15pm and the finish is forecast for 5.15pm CEST. The climbing mid-way through the stage will be a key moment to watch, as it could set the pace for the rest of the race.
The finish town of Novi Ligure is famous in cycling for Fausto Coppi, who started his career as a delivery boy here. The town is also known for its chocolate brand, Novi, which is the 'official chocolate' of the Giro d'Italia. The race has a slew of official products, including Lauretana water, Kometa cured meats, Wonderful Pistachio, Rana pasta, Altograno cereal, Bialetti coffee, and Regina toilet paper.
The official sponsorships are tiered, with the maglia rosa being the most prestigious. The race is heavily promoted in Italy, with pink packaging and branding in supermarkets, signalling the race's presence. The Giro d'Italia is a well-oiled machine, with official insurance, weather forecasting, wine, luggage, shoes, and more. It's a spectacle that captivates fans and riders alike, and Stage 12 promises to be a thrilling addition to the race.
