Stage 1: Venaria Reale to Torino โ 140 km
Where to watch: ๐บ๐ธ Max, ๐จ๐ฆ FloBikes, ๐ฌ๐ง Discovery+, ๐ช๐บ Eurosport, ๐ฆ๐บ SBS On Demand
Coverage start time: ๐บ๐ธ 7:30 am EDT, ๐จ๐ฆ 7:40 am EDT, ๐ฌ๐ง 12:30 pm BST, ๐ช๐บ 1:30 pm CEST, ๐ฆ๐บ 9:35 pm AEST
Estimated finish time: ๐บ๐ธ๐จ๐ฆ 11:15 am EDT/๐ฌ๐ง 4:15 pm BST/๐ช๐บ 5:15 pm CEST/๐ฆ๐บ 1:15 am AEST
Stage type: Hilly
What to expect: The Giro dโItalia should get underway with some excitement thanks to a stage 1 profile that features some interesting challenges. After the Superga climb โ which should be familiar to fans who have watched Milano-Torino โ puts some fatigue into the legs, the second-category Colle Maddalena should force at least some selection. It could also spur real attacks, with a tricky descent to follow, and then an uncategorized ascent before the finish. It wouldnโt be a big surprise to see some of the GC contenders in the mix for the stage win alongside the more versatile stage hunters.
Dane’s picks: All eyes will be on Tadej Pogaฤar, who should like the profile and who has a chance to go wire-to-wire leading the Giro d’Italia. That said, the climbs aren’t that hard here, so keep an eye on Andrea Bagioli as well, with Julian Alaphilippe, Daniel Martรญnez, and Romain Bardet as others who could try something on the first day of the race.
What did you think of this story?