If today the altimetry risks being prohibitive for them, from Tuesday's stage in Lecce the sprinters' show should finally open in this Tour of Italy. On paper, there are seven stages dedicated to the fast wheels, but the sprinters will have to sweat for at least three of them, right down to the last metre. And one of these could be today's in Vlora.
We spoke to those who know a thing or two about sprints from the sprinters' group: Matteo Malucelli, athlete of the XDS-Astana who isn't at the Giro d'Italia, but who has been working with his colleagues. The eye of those in the group always manages to give something extra.
Matteo, let's start by analyzing the sprinters in the race. What's their level like?
It's true, I say it sincerely, the level is not mega galactic. We miss people like Jasper Philipsen and Jonathan Milan. In my opinion, however, we will see some very interesting sprints precisely because The three riders who have dominated all the sprints so far are missing: Philipsen, Merlier and Milan.
So who do you see as the favorite?
In my opinion Olav Kooij he is the one who has a slightly higher level than the others: the "purest" sprinter (opening image in a sprint against Bennett, also present at the Giro, ed.). Olav is the fastest for me. If Kooij gets a chance, also depending on what Van Aert does, he'll be a tough nut to crack. Behind him are other good sprinters who will compete for the stages. I'd say there are 5-6 riders at the same level. And then obviously There's Mads Pedersen, who is very strong, but he's not a pure sprinter. He's something more than a sprinter. (and he proved it in the opening stage, editor's note).
Clear…
It's changed. The pure sprinter of the past is gone, or at least he's changing. But the truly fast men are still around, and so there will certainly be some great sprints. Kooij, on paper, is the one with the fastest top speed. However…
However?
However I too, in Türkiye, thought I was the fastest and out of three sprints I won one. So maybe I wasn't really the fastest. It's also true that more highly rated riders like Kristoff never won a single one. Sprints are always a bit of a lottery.
In any case, big names like Philipsen, Merlier, and Milan are missing. That's no small thing...
And Groenewegen too. But the level remains good. And then you have to consider the route: in some stages, a sprinter with something extra could win. In my opinion Groves and Pedersen are the riders who can best negotiate the climbs. And this will give them the chance to compete for more points. And to get there with better legs.
Did you look at the route?
Since I haven't done it, I haven't studied it well, but I've noticed that there are very few flat sprints. Sprint finishes almost always come after rolling stages, so endurance on the climbs will also be crucial.
In summary, who are the most dangerous sprinters?
As I said, the purest is Kooij. Then there's Pedersen, Groves, my teammate. Kanter, Sam Bennett, Van Aert, Lonardi and Moschetti. Well, in my opinion Matteo wins one stage.
What leads you to say this about Moschetti?
Because he's off to a good start and is strong. He's always been strong. I know him; he's found the right team and the right motivation. When a sprinter starts winning, he gains confidence. It's a question of balance. He deserves a stage at the Giro and I would be happy for him if he were to succeed.
And what about Lonardi? He left Turkey wearing the green jersey...
That's his problem, he's holding back too much on the climbs! I asked him, "Why are you so fast on the climbs? Maybe you could be faster if you saved a bit." And he replied that he knows, that he needs to try to be more powerful for the finals. Overall, though, Lonardi is going strong, and the green jersey for best sprinter proves it. He's consistent. But the blanket is short: If you improve on climbs, you lose something in sprinting. You have to find the right combination. This applies to him as it does to many others.
This balance is really delicate in modern cycling…
That's right. Choices have to be made, and the team needs to be aware of them. The schedule needs to be planned based on your characteristics. The team needs to tailor it to you and your other teammates. If you go to the Giro d'Italia you can't be a Tour of Langkawi sprinter, so to speak. Because you don't finish the Giro, you struggle.
Are there any other names to keep an eye on?
Well, there is Luca Mozzato, even if this year we haven't seen much of it. There is Milan Fretin which was a nice surprise. And then you have to understand Casper Van Uden. But honestly, in Türkiye he didn't exactly shine.
