J'ai profité de l'occasion du concours de nos amis italiens de la Flamme Rouge, pour me lancer dans ma petite variante du Giro 2016
La présentation sera en anglais du coup.
General description :After having known troubles with snow in 2013 and 2014, the Giro has decided to stay on the trend inaugurated in 2015, reducing the height of climbs. Mauro Vegni, the race director, has even pushed the concept in 2016 by introducing a limit of 1900m. "The Giro must not be disturbed by late springs as it happened several years. We need to show that Giro can be a thrilling race even with lower climbs, to show that Italy has also interesting climbs outside of the giant ones. It is not a rule for the future. We will of course continue to visit regularly our legends, however the Giro should not be reduced to them."
The Giro should be different, that is also why the general orientation of the race will be revised, with mountain more concentrated in the middle, around the second week. The last week will be composed of tricky stages, hills to medium mountains, with a particular for strade bianche. They will close the Giro for a really new experience in modern GT. The Giro will start in the Netherlands as planned, before a long stay in the north of Italy, first paying a visit to French Alps, then going through Dolomites to Frioul. The last week will be a loop from Rome to Siena, mainly through the Abruzzes.
E1 : Apeldoorn (13 km)DescriptionContrary to previous years, we shall be back to 2012, Giro will start by an individual time trial. The city of Apeldoorn has been chosen for a quite long one, flat and essentially straight. There is no real tricky sections and powerful riders such as Tom Dumoulin will be able to fight for the first pink jersey.
IntermediatesMalkenschoten (22 m, Km 6.9)
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55174E2 : Arnhem - Arnhem (179 km)DescriptionThe Gelderland province is at honour for this stage. As main contributor of the dutch start, that stage will cross a largest part of the region and some of the main cities. The stage is built as a loop around Arnhem, the capital city. Moreover, the small hills around the city will be exploited in the final. They are nothing to escape from the planned massive sprint, but some riders may be disturbed by the narrow roads, the slopes and the fight for the blue jersey, leaded to some unexpected results on the finish line.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Nijmegen (23 m, Km 19.8), Apeldoorn (17 m, Km 109.6).
KOM SPRINTS: Beekseweg (4th Category, 66 m, 1.0 Km at 4.1%, Km 57.5), Waterberg (4th Category, 91 m, 1.0 Km at 2.3%, Km 118.8), Rosendaalsweg (4th Category, 89 m, 1.0 Km at 2.6%, Km 151.4), Zijpenberg (4th Category, 108 m, 1.0 Km at 3.3%, Km 160.9).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Dieren (14 m, Km 89.4).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55060E3 : Nijmegen - Eindhoven (149,5 km)DescriptionAfter Arnhem and Apeldoorn, it is time for Nijmegen to get its own stage. Riders will leave Gelderland this time to reach Eindhoven before their flight to Milan. This stage is fully flat and clearly promised to a massive sprint, outside any falls or incidents that may occur in the final. The stage is also short, to prepare the flight back to Italy in the best conditions, as there is nothing to gain to increase its length.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Venlo (23 m, Km 61.5), Weert (32 m, Km 103.7).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Kessel (24 m, Km 75.0).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55189Rest Day : MilanoE4 : Milano - Vercelli (151,5 km)DescriptionAfter a rest day to recover from the trip from the Netherlands, riders will start with a simple stage, getting close to the mountains. Sprinters will be happy not to leave it for a breakaway. After that, occasions to win will become quite rare for them.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Pavia (82 m, Km 64.2), Novare (159 m, Km 128.1).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Gropello Cairoli (86 m, Km 80.3).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55059E5 : Casale Monferrato - Torino (218 km)DescriptionGiro really starts here for big contenders. Time triallists and sprinters got their stages before, it is now time for big names to show what they are capable for. Mountain is not yet on the menu, but riders can taste it with the Colle de Lys in the middle of this stage. However, the final on Superga hill, climbed twice, from Turin and back, is designed to create the first gaps and show who is in a good shape to hope win at the end of this Giro. This is the first stage above 200 km, which may have an impact during the final climbs.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Torino (246 m, Km 82.0), Veneria Reale (257 m, Km 172.1).
KOM SPRINTS: Colle di Madalena (4th Category, 508 m, 4.5 Km at 4.4%, Km 71.2), Colle del Lys (2nd Category, 1287 m, 13.9 Km at 6.7%, Km 121.3), Colle di Superga (3rd Category, 614 m, 4.4 Km at 9.0%, Km 190.0), Colle di Madalena (4th Category, 508 m, 4.5 Km at 4.5%, Km 207.5).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Avigliana (340 m, Km 102.7).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55057E6 : Rivoli - Risoul 1800 (143,5 km)DescriptionMountain is here and the French Alps will open the race. This stage is more a hillclimb on Risoul, due to the fear of snow that limits the height of passes. Mongenivro will be used as the entry door to France followed by a long valley section to reach Guillestre and the bottom of the final climb. Risoul will make a perfect start, a difficult and regular climb to define a first hierarchy, but sufficiently easy to avoid big gaps and let hope for a lot of contenders.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Bussoleno (448 m, Km 34.2), Briançon (1327 m, Km 96.3).
KOM SPRINTS: Gravere (4th Category, 753 m, 3.9 Km at 6.6%, Km 45.6), Deveys (4th Category, 1087 m, 5.6 Km at 6.1%, Km 57.2), Colle di Monginevro (3rd Category, 1852 m, 18.5 Km at 4.3%, Km 82.5), Risoul 1800 (2nd Category, 1853 m, 15.4 Km at 6.2%, Arrive).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Oulx (1079 m, Km 65.9).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54981E7 : Gap - Draguignan (200 km)DescriptionTransition stage round the Alps. As it was difficult to cross the Alps without reaching the height limit, it has been preferred to save mountain for later and organize a flat stage. Sprinters may not be tired yet by the previous mountain stages and push their team to control the race. However, the breakaway may take profit of a day off by the favorites.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Sisteron (470 m, Km 49.8), Digne-les-Bains (580 m, Km 86.3).
KOM SPRINT: Poteau de Telle (4th Category, 718 m, 4.2 Km at 5.6%, Km 117.5).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Mezel (582 m, Km 102.0).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54982E8 : Castellane - Monaco (237,5 km)DescriptionThe French queen stage, 7 passes listed and more than 230 km to ride. This is clearly a key stage of this first week. If the passes of the South Alps are not so impressive than some legend climbs of the Giro, there won't be any timeout. The repetition of efforts and the length of the stage will help to eliminate teammates and force leaders to explain themselves before arriving in Monaco. Take care of the gaps, a bad day here may cost a lot of time.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Sausses (608 m, Km 40.1), Menton (27 m, Km 200.6).
KOM SPRINTS: Col de Toutes Aures (4th Category, 1121 m, 7.2 Km at 3.2%, Km 18.5), Col de Valberg (2nd Category, 1656 m, 12.1 Km at 7.2%, Km 66.9), Col de la Couillole (4th Category, 1662 m, 6.9 Km at 3.5%, Km 82.3), Col Saint-Martin (2nd Category, 1499 m, 16.5 Km at 6.1%, Km 119.4), Col du Turini (1st Category, 1604 m, 15.3 Km at 7.2%, Km 155.2), Col de Castillon (3rd Category, 709 m, 6.7 Km at 5.4%, Km 186.7), Col de la Madone (2nd Category, 922 m, 14.4 Km at 6.3%, Km 216.0).
FEEDING ZONE POINTS: Saint-Sauveur de Tinée (491 m, Km 99.4), Sospel (396 m, Km 178.4).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54983E9 : San Remo - Mondovi (193 km)DescriptionAfter the previous stage, it won't be a rest day. Riders are back in Italy, on the Riviera, but they will not stay on the shore. Right from the km 0, it will climb. Recovery will be a key point, we have already seen leaders isolated by a quick start and then not able to control a tricky stage. Passes are not so impressive, much shorter but quite steep and it is easy to be surprised. Leaders may not fight for the stage win, so that will offer a perfect opportunity for early breakaway members. They will be a lot to try to get into it.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Agaggio Inferiore (403 m, Km 70.2), Ormea (736 m, Km 129.0).
KOM SPRINTS: Monte Bignone (2nd Category, 1088 m, 16.1 Km at 6.2%, Km 16.1), Colle di Langan (2nd Category, 1116 m, 12.6 Km at 7.0%, Km 56.2), Colle d'Oggia (2nd Category, 1160 m, 12.7 Km at 7.2%, Km 89.9), Colle di Nava (3rd Category, 933 m, 10.8 Km at 6.4%, Km 119.3), Colle di Casotto (3rd Category, 1372 m, 12.4 Km at 6.4%, Km 153.5), San Giacomo (4th Category, 1038 m, 5.9 Km at 4.6%, Km 170.2).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Pieve di Teco (236 m, Km 107.8).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54985Rest Day : CuneoE10 : Cuneo - Savigliano (39 km)DescriptionAfter mountain and rest day, a medium length flat time-trial for specialists. It will certainly reshuffle the rankings, as pure climbers may lose several places for the profit of all-rounders. This is the last one, so climbers will have then the second half of the Giro to come back, forcing them to attack for that.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE POINTS: Tarantasca (454 m, Km 8.5), Marchisa (398 m, Km 20.0), Saluzzo (340 m, Km 27.4).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54986E11 : Asti - Mantova (233,5 km)DescriptionA long flat stage between mountains, crossing a long section of the plain of Po. Sprinters are waited for one of their few remaining occasions. However, several teams may prefer to let the breakawway win and avoid useless efforts the day before several new mountain stages.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Alessandria (94 m, Km 35.2), Cremona (39 m, Km 166.0).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Piacenza (58 m, Km 129.8).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55051E12 : Peschiera del Garda - Rovereto (162,5 km)DescriptionA first mountain stage near the Lago del Garda. The beginning is flat, following the lake shore. Then, riders will climb three passes. This stage is less difficult than previous and next ones, and won't certainly set up a big fight between leaders. However, it should not be neglegted. No one is protected from a failure.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Bardolino (76 m, Km 13.1), Mori (203 m, Km 124.2).
KOM SPRINTS: San Zeno di Montagna (4th Category, 434 m, 7.4 Km at 5.0%, Km 30.8), Passo Fittanze di Sega (2nd Category, 1453 m, 16.4 Km at 8.1%, Km 72.1), Passo San Valentino (2nd Category, 1314 m, 15.6 Km at 7.5%, Km 105.9), Passo Bordala (2nd Category, 1254 m, 15.1 Km at 6.8%, Km 142.3).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Sabbionara (142 m, Km 88.7).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54988E13 : Trento - Alpe di Siusi (196,5 km)DescriptionThe queen stage of this Giro, arriving at Alpe di Siusi. The sequence Passo Lavazze, Colle Pietra and Alpe di Siusi will certainly create big gaps. The approach to the final climb is difficult and without any rest. For the race favorites, this is the occasion not to let pass, as there won't be such a difficult stage after. It is not permitted to wait and don't exploit this stage, as the time not conquered here can be regretted after.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Mezzolombardo (225 m, Km 16.0), Prato all'Isarco (327 m, Km 171.4).
KOM SPRINTS: Fai della Paganella (3rd Category, 998 m, 11.2 Km at 6.6%, Km 28.7), Passo della Mendola (3rd Category, 1368 m, 29.7 Km at 3.6%, Km 74.8), San Lugano (3rd Category, 1099 m, 17.0 Km at 5.2%, Km 120.3), Passo Lavaze (1st Category, 1820 m, 11.0 Km at 7.4%, Km 138.4), Colle Pietra (2nd Category, 1340 m, 6.8 Km at 7.5%, Km 159.2), Alpe di Siusi (1st Category, 1859 m, 25.4 Km at 6.0%, Arrive).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: San Giuseppe Al Lago (238 m, Km 96.5).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54990E14 : Corvara in Badia - Sappada (171,5 km)DescriptionAnother transition stage and a small rest for leaders. The Cima Coppi, the Passo Compolongo is at the very beginning of the stage that will help to set up an explosive start, as blue jersey contenders won't miss the opportunity to score a lot of points and potentially fight for the stage win later. After that, the program is lighter. However, the last kilometers to the Cima Sappada are quite steep so we have the possibility to see some riders struggling at the end of the leaders group.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Forno di Zoldo (828 m, Km 58.2), Comeglians (549 m, Km 147.2).
KOM SPRINTS: Passo di Campolongo (Hors Catégorie, 1877 m, 5.5 Km at 6.2%, Km 5.6), Forcella Staulanza (3rd Category, 1773 m, 9.8 Km at 4.6%, Km 41.8), Passo Cibiana (2nd Category, 1529 m, 9.5 Km at 7.4%, Km 68.7), Forcella Lavardet (2nd Category, 1796 m, 17.9 Km at 6.0%, Km 117.6), Cima Sappada (3rd Category, 1290 m, 9.8 Km at 4.9%, Km 168.0).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Calalzo di Cadore (766 m, Km 91.5).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/54991E15 : Forni Avoltri - Udine (183 km)DescriptionAnother tricky stage, with a lot of small climbs steep and narrow. The Sella Carnizza and the Cima Porzus that will respectively open and close the main part of the day can make a lot of damages. Between them, there is no flat, making the stage difficult to control. If one brave rider wants to launch a revolution, it may be the perfect day to spread the bunch on the different climbs and exploit the generated chaos. However, it may be another transition stage with favorites keeping an eye of them without moving a finger.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Tolmezzo (300 m, Km 42.5), Ronchis (126 m, Km 172.2).
KOM SPRINTS: Ravascletto (3rd Category, 922 m, 6.2 Km at 6.0%, Km 18.4), Sella Carnizza (2nd Category, 1114 m, 7.6 Km at 9.7%, Km 75.6), Passo di Tanamea (3rd Category, 866 m, 5.4 Km at 4.9%, Km 90.2), Monteaperta (3rd Category, 623 m, 5.5 Km at 5.3%, Km 107.0), Taipana (3rd Category, 763 m, 7.2 Km at 5.7%, Km 120.6), Prossenico (3rd Category, 712 m, 6.1 Km at 5.1%, Km 135.4), Cima Porzus (2nd Category, 913 m, 7.9 Km at 8.8%, Km 156.9).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Pradielis (352 m, Km 100.1).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55050E16 : Udine - Noale (190 km)DescriptionA new flat stage before the rest day. It won't be entirely flat as the Passo San Boldo is on the program. If it is too far from the finish line to disturb sprinters, it may help the breakaway to cross it before the main bunch.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Pordenone (34 m, Km 51.1), Montebelluna (115 m, Km 161.0).
KOM SPRINT: Passo San Boldo (3rd Category, 699 m, 6.3 Km at 7.4%, Km 98.9).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Santa Maria (238 m, Km 87.9).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55208Rest Day : RomaE17 : Frascati - Roccaraso (219 km)DescriptionA long hilly stage after the rest day. The main feature will be the final climb to Roccaraso, quite steep during certain parts. Leaders will certainly wait for the last climb when attackers may take profit on the different climbs of the day to build a sufficient gap for a stage win. There is certainly too much valley between Forca d'Acero and Roccaraso for a bigger move but this stage is not here for a putsch.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Velletri (326 m, Km 29.7), Sora (284 m, Km 132.9).
KOM SPRINTS: Pratone (3rd Category, 589 m, 5.1 Km at 6.2%, Km 5.2), Rocca di Pappa (3rd Category, 703 m, 5.4 Km at 6.2%, Km 15.9), Rocca Massima (3rd Category, 725 m, 8.4 Km at 5.9%, Km 48.4), Fumone (4th Category, 529 m, 7.5 Km at 3.8%, Km 92.9), Veroli (4th Category, 549 m, 5.1 Km at 5.3%, Km 108.3), Forca d'Acero (2nd Category, 1540 m, 29.1 Km at 4.3%, Km 163.2), Roccaraso (2nd Category, 1311 m, 7.5 Km at 6.8%, Arrive).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Santa Francesca (468 m, Km 112.7).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55264E18 : Sulmone - Chieti (148,5 km)DescriptionA quite different stage with the main difficulties at the beginning and then a succession of small but steep hills when reaching Chieti. The Passo Lanciano can help to spead riders and make the last part of the stage very difficult to control. Moreover, it is a good stage to set up a team strategy with riders in the breakaway to help their leader in the second half, in case of an attack in Passo Lanciano.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Fonte Vetica (588 m, Km 40.5), Guardiagrele (0 m, Km 96.3).
KOM SPRINTS: Passo San Leonardo (2nd Category, 1301 m, 17.3 Km at 5.1%, Km 18.5), Passo Lanciano (1st Category, 1316 m, 16.1 Km at 7.5%, Km 70.6), Bocca di Valle (3rd Category, 651 m, 6.1 Km at 4.1%, Km 91.5), Calvario (4th Category, 366 m, 6.0 Km at 4.0%, Km 121.4), Villamagna (4th Category, 243 m, 2.5 Km at 5.7%, Km 134.7), Rasiccio (4th Category, 217 m, 1.8 Km at 6.2%, Km 139.0), Chieti (3rd Category, 286 m, 2.6 Km at 8.6%, Km 144.0), Chieti (3rd Category, 315 m, 1.8 Km at 7.5%, Arrive).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Scafa (139 m, Km 52.6).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55266E19 : Pescara - Fano (200 km)DescriptionThe last flat stage along the adriatic coast. Except from some difficulties on Ancone heights, it is a perfect stage for sprinters not to let pass this last opportunity. For the leaders, it will be a rest day before the last week-end of the race.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: San Benedetto del Tronto (7 m, Km 62.9), Civitanova Marche (5 m, Km 103.8).
KOM SPRINT: Poggio (4th Category, 244 m, 7.7 Km at 3.1%, Km 136.8).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Porto Sant'Epidio (4 m, Km 97.4).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55267E20 : Pesaro - Arezzo (162,5 km)DescriptionThe Alpe di Poti will be the major attraction of this stage, especially for the leaders as it is the last climb to make a real difference. Riders will have a first taste of sterrato on the slopes of Alpe di Poti. The climb is quite steep and depending of the weather may create big gaps. The winner of the Giro should be able to manage its form, being strong in the first two weeks to secure its pink jersey without falling in the last week to control it. It would be riskier to arrive later in form and count on that stage to win.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Montelabbate (42 m, Km 11.7), Urbania (283 m, Km 50.7).
KOM SPRINTS: Urbino (4th Category, 411 m, 5.8 Km at 3.9%, Km 34.1), Bocca Trabaria (3rd Category, 1038 m, 17.3 Km at 3.6%, Km 83.6), Valico di Scheggia (4th Category, 566 m, 6.1 Km at 3.7%, Km 121.7), Alpe di Poti (2nd Category, 822 m, 7.9 Km at 6.6%, Km 145.4).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Sansepolcro (337 m, Km 102.9).
COBBLE SECTOR: 1. Alpe di Poti (+, 6300 m, Km 145.4).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55384E21 : Siena - Siena (168,5 km)DescriptionThe Giro wants to remain innovative. That explains why the last stage looks like the Strade Bianche. They have a lot in common, the finish in Siena and some of the key sterrato sectors. Riders will have at disposal a totally different type of roads that mountains to make a difference. It is possible to organize a big mess as well as transform this stage in a relaxed parade, depending on the situation in the rankings and who are the last contenders for the win. The climb of Poggio Civitella near Montalcino, seen in 2010 may help to launch the race. After that, it will be difficult to recover forces and control the race, except for a few passages on larger asphalted roads. Keys are in then hands of the leaders and we may know a leader change at the very end of the race, a rare situation, particularly if we exclude time trials from the list.
IntermediatesINTERMEDIATE SPRINTS: Vescovado (289 m, Km 24.7), Casetta (197 m, Km 143.7).
KOM SPRINTS: Passo del Rospatoio (4th Category, 476 m, 2.8 Km at 5.9%, Km 18.3), Poggio Civitella (3rd Category, 497 m, 5.3 Km at 6.8%, Km 45.8), Siena (4th Category, 339 m, 1.4 Km at 6.0%, Arrive).
FEEDING ZONE POINT: Ponte d'Arbia (147 m, Km 94.8).
COBBLES SECTOR: 1. Murlo (++, 4700 m, Km 34.1), 2. Poggio Civitella (+++++, 13500 m, Km 52.1), 3. Lucignano d'Asso (+++, 11600 m, Km 79.1), 4. Pieve a Salti (++++, 7700 m, Km 87.9), 5. San Martino in Grania (++++, 9300 m, Km 113.5), 6. Monte Sante Marie (+++++, 11300 m, Km 133.9), 7. Monteaperti (+, 600 m, Km 147.9), 8. Colle Pinzuto (++++, 2200 m, Km 154.0), 9. Le Tolfe (+++, 1100 m, Km 159.0), 10. Siena (+, 800 m, Km 168.6).
Lien :
http://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/55269