It starts on July 14th (today), from Alghero, the first Italian Cycling Week, which will conclude on Sunday, July 18th in Cagliari. Five stages, all in Sardinia, a challenging route, with a lot of altitude differenceThe riders will have to tackle a total of 840,60 kilometers, with a whopping 10.409 meters of climbing to complete. The longest stage will be the second, at 185.5 kilometers, from Sassari to Oristano, while the fourth stage will have the greatest elevation gain, at 2.503 meters.
Complicated genesis
This race had been talked about for two years. The organizers' first contact on the island was with the men already working on the Giro d'Italia U23. Marco Selleri went to Sardinia to scout the venues, but then Covid and a series of hesitations caused the project to stallIt ran aground, but did not sink. In fact he took it back in his hand Adrian Friends and the race will finally take place.
Landscapes and samples
The scenery is breathtaking: Sardinia is packed with tourists in JulyAnd even if the race won't touch the most popular beaches, it's easy to imagine that there will be no shortage of fans along the roads and at the finish lines. There will also be no shortage of wind, which thanks to the proximity of the sea has never been lacking on those roads.
Seven people per team run, with a very respectable starting field and the curiosity to see a national team at the start that will include some track cyclists leaving for Tokyo and also some road cyclists. Italy of Cassani e Villa will in fact deploy Viviani, Ganna and Scartezzini, Bettiol, Moscon, Ciccone and MasnadaNibali is missing, coming back from two weeks of Tour and is missing Caruso, who will however run with his team, Team Bahrain Victorious.
And if for reasons of flag and heart Italy will be under special surveillance when leaving for the Olympics, The starting list also includes a good number of WorldTour teams. In addition to the Bahrain team we have already mentioned, we will see the Istrael Start-Up Nation, the Uae Emirates Team with Ulissi, Movistar with Cataldo and Villella, the Bora with Aleotti in great shape and the Team Bike Exchange.
In addition to them, among the reasons for interest and suggestion, the return to the races of a highly motivated Visconti, the couple Mareczko-Stacchiotti who will try to challenge Viviani's supremacy in the sprint.
Let's find out in detail all the stages, which is also possible download here.
The first stage runs from Alghero to Sassari, over a distance of 155,8 kilometers There are only three GPMs in the first stage, but there is very little flat land.
The first stage runs from Alghero to Sassari, over a distance of 155,8 kilometers There are only three GPMs in the first stage, but there is very little flat land.
1nd stage
Alghero – Sassari: 155.8 kilometers
The shortest, but not the easiest, are planned 3 mountain grand prix (two third-category and one second-category). The route will climb from the final GPM with 4 kilometers to go, and could be a good springboard for some strong finishers.
The 2nd stage goes from Alghero to Oristano, for a total of 184,3 kilometers There are three mountain grand prix: the last one is 60 kilometres from the finish line
There are three mountain grand prix: the last one is 60 kilometres from the finish line The 2nd stage goes from Alghero to Oristano, for a total of 184,3 kilometers
2nd stage
Sassari – Oristano: 185.5 kilometers
A two-faced stage, with a lot of climbing in the first part, 3 asperities, one divided into each category. It touches the highest point of the race, the Valico della Madonnina, 875 metresAn 11-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 5.1 percent, once over the top the riders will find themselves 60 kilometers from the finish.
In the finale, the sprinters who have managed to resist the initial fatigue will be able to compete in the sprint, the outcome of which is not a foregone conclusion given the route.
Third stage from Oristano to Cagliari: distance of 180,9 kilometers Opportunity for sprinters? There's no shortage of climbs, but you can make up for it.
Third stage from Oristano to Cagliari: distance of 180,9 kilometers Opportunity for sprinters? There's no shortage of climbs, but you can make up for it.
3nd stage
Oristano – Cagliari: 180,9 kilometers
Arrival in the regional capital of Sardinia, you arrive from the west, from the Genna and Bogai passes, a rideable 8.5-kilometer climb at 4.7 percent.
A sprint finish is likely, From the flamme rouge to the finish line the road slopes slightly, this will raise the speed and tension in the group.
Here is the fourth stage, from Cagliari to Cagliari, over a distance of 168 kilometers Looking at the profile, you wouldn't say that there are only three GPMs: a very tough stage
Here is the fourth stage, from Cagliari to Cagliari, over a distance of 168 kilometers Looking at the profile, you wouldn't say that there are only three GPMs: a very tough stage
4nd stage
Cagliari – Cagliari: 168 kilometers
We leave the province of Cagliari for that of Southern Sardinia, in a area famous for its Nuragic excavations, with castles and many archaeological sites.
It could be a stage suitable for some brave breakaways, as there are three GPMs. A very lively stage, this could favor attacks from afar, even if the slightly downhill finish smiles on the group.
Fifth and final stage, from Cagliari to Cagliari, 170,2 kilometers If the wind doesn't play any nasty tricks, the grand finale will be a sprint.
Fifth and final stage, from Cagliari to Cagliari, 170,2 kilometers If the wind doesn't play any nasty tricks, the grand finale will be a sprint.
5rd stage
Cagliari – Cagliari: 170,2 kilometers
The final stage passes through the Carbonia area, famous for its mines and picturesque, colorful landscapes. The Punta Coremò pass is tackled twice, with the first and last kilometers coinciding, from Cagliari to Acquafredda Castle and vice versa. Yet another flat finish, with a sprint includedIt's unlikely a breakaway will emerge, given the undulating course, which doesn't allow for any surprises. Unless the wind...
