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The opening stage of the Tour de Pologne concluded with a stage victory for Diego Ulissi, who shall also lead the General Classification. The race recommences for Stage 2 near the resorts of Val di Sole and finishes atop the summit of the Passo Pordoi. In comparison to Stage 1, the parcours shall be more challenging and longer, at 206.5km.
The stage route from Val di Sole to the Passo Pordoi includes two other categorised climbs, and plenty of climbing. In comparison to yesterday's stage, the climbs are lengthier and feature higher average gradients. Combined with the addition of a further 22km in comparison to Stage 1's parcours, and fatigue could play a factor at the end of Stage 2.
There will once again be an abundance of points on offer for the “Most Activty”, “Best Climber”, and “Attractivity Contest” competitions. There will be three intermediate sprints, one special sprint, and three categorised climbs throughout the stage. With three Category 1 climbs, the “Best Climber” classification could be could profitable, with 30 points on offer.
Categorised Climbs of the Day
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The Category 1 Passo Pampeago will arguably be the most challenging climb of the day. Whilst shorter than the climb of the Passo Pordoi at 10.5km, the gradient average gradient is particularly harsh. The Passo Pampeago begins at an average gradient of 5.3%, but quickly ramps up to 8.7% after just one kilometre. Whilst the middle of the climb features a section four kilometres in length at an average gradient of 11.8%, with the conclusion of the ascent at an average gradient of 9.7%.
Whilst shorter in length at 9.3km, the Passo Costalunga begins after the descent of the Passo Pampeago. The ascent begins with a hostile section at, or above, 21% in gradient, before continuing for two kilometres at an average gradient of 7.1%. The roughness of the Dolomite climbs comes to the fore as the average gradient changes over each kilometre; with average of 9.2%, 7.8%, 7.7%, and 7.2%. After which the gradient subsides for roughly two kilometres, with an average gradient of 3.4%, before rising back up to 7.9% until respite at just near the summit of 2.6%.
The peloton will descend from the summit of the Passo Costalunga and pedal the false flats leading in to the official beginning of the ascent of the Passo Pordoi. At a length of 13 km, the Passo Pordoi will be the longest climb encountered during the race's two stages in Trentino, Italy. Compared to the Passo Constalunga and Passo Pampeago however, the average gradients shall be a bit more lenient towards the riders.
Unlike the ascent of the Madonna di Campiglio, the road ascending the Passo Pordoi will be narrower and rougher. The average gradient constantly varies as the peloton climb each kilometre of the Passo Pordoi. The changing gradients could be a hindrance to those riders still attempting to discover their rhythm. The climb begins at an average gradient of 4.7% before inconsistently varying. The average gradients for each kilometre long sector are; 4.7%, 5.8%, 7.7.%, 6.8%, 4.7%, 6.8%, 7.2%, 5.8%, 6.7%, 5.8%, and 5.7% for the final three kilometres.
Yesterday proved that while on paper Vincenzo Nibali, of Astana, would have been the overwhelming favourite for the stage victory these races are not ridden on paper. Instead we saw different cyclists come to the fore, such as Euskaltel Euskadi's Jon Izaguirre. Choosing a favourite could be difficult with such an evenly balanced group finishing together in Stage 1.
With the summit finish of the Passo Pordoi higher in gradient than the summit finish of the Madonna di Campiglio, a bunch sprint seems less likely to happen. Pieter Weening, of Orica-GreenEDGE, is one such rider who could be looking to attack to establish a time gap on his rivals ahead of the individual time trial. Whilst Domenico Pozzovivo could also be another contender for the stage victory, being in a similar situation to Weening.
A dark horse for the stage victory will certainly be Colombia Coldeportes' Darwin Atapuma. The Colombian climber showed decent form ascending the Madonna di Campiglio, and will certainly be eager for a stage victory or time ahead of the time trial. Other contenders for the stage victory include; Jon Izaguirre, Diego Ulissi, Rafal Majka, Ivan Basso, Eros Capecchi, and Sergio Luis Henao.
Though one can never count Vincenzo Nibali out, as he will be looking for favourable signs ahead of la Vuelta a Espana and the UCI Road World Championships.
Another mountain stage with a summit finish and another chance for the climbers targeting the General Classification to try and establish time gaps before the individual time trial.
