Wednesday May 11: stage 5 - Praia a Mare-Benevento

After an epic day yesterday, the Giro leaves Praia a Mare with a much more sprinter friendly stage. That’s not to say flat however; there are certainly some inclines to be dealth with. The first 30km is entirely uphill, peaking with the cat 3 Fortino climb. The next 170km are rolling terrain, although there are no more categorised climbs. Categorised climbs aren’t always the ones which make the difference however, as we found out on stage 4. The final 30km are relatively flat, but the last kilometre to Benevito kicks up, with the final turn coming 200m out and up a paved road at 3.4%.




Contenders

The usual suspect should be back again today. Marcel Kittel is again the bookies favourite, and for good reason as he has looked untouchable in sprints thus far. Modolo and Nizzolo are two who could challenge, the former in particular like this kind of rolling terrain. Sky’s Elia Viviani may lack support but that’s never hampered him before; if he gets to the finish he will grab a wheel and he always has a chance. I’m at risk of going all cyclingquotes here and mentioning everyone, but I’ll say two more names for the sprint. Demare, who looks to have a strong lead out, and Ewan, a man who won a similar uphill finish in the Vuelta last year. In terms of a late attacker who may hope to stay clear, look to Wellens, and possibly Bob Jungels.

Prediction

Viviani, Modolo, Ewan. Another fruitless attack from Tim Wellens.

Random Trivia

I can’t find anything interesting about Benevento, but it is interesting to note it is Adam Hansen’s birthday today. A man who likes a late attack, and the course certainly could suit. Will we see this tomorrow?