Stage 2 Giro d’Italia Arnhem – Nijmegen -190km

MPFGLB

It a flat stage for sprinters …or so you’d think

But there is a possibility of cross winds so all the GC men and their teams will be bricking it
When the peloton is nervous and the legs are still fresh there is a strong possibility of crashes and lots of them…Could be we lose one of the favourites early ?



If it’s a bunch sprint which seems like the likely scenario everyone fancies Kittel
Other sprinters among the favourites are Greipel, Nizzolo, Vivani, Ewan.Modolo , Demare
I like Viviani for an e/w but he will have little help from SKY who will be keeping Landa safe

If the wind is up – well that would be a whole different ball game

Its possible that if Kittlel wins both stages 2& 3 he could go into Pink

Fabian Cancelera may also have his eye on pink with a late attack …it’s a hole in his palmares he wants to fill before retirement

I am hoping for cross wind as not a sprint enthusiast

MPFGLB

Nico's Diary : http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/cycling/nicolas-roche-today-was-just-the-antipasta-a-taster-for-the-giro-34692615.html

Lusk_Doyle

Time bonuses up for grabs? 11 seconds back for Kittel. Pink could easily be his after tomorrow.

TD would welcome that I'd suspect as all he needs to do is follow the others from after stage three until the next ITT where he should put good time into the GC favourites.

dastardly00

I think Etixx will be able to control things and Kittel can take the win.

MPFGLB

I think Caleb Ewan might do something today

Pudsy33

MPFGLB wrote: »

I think Caleb Ewan might do something today

He should have a decent lead out with Mezgec. It'll be Kittel in all likelihood, but I am on Viviani. Lack of sprint train never seems to bother him, and in a messy sprint he could go well.

pelevin

Ironically the break are just going thru the feed zone, & I just had my lunch. You couldn't make it up.

MPFGLB

Pudsy33 wrote: »

He should have a decent lead out with Mezgec. It'll be Kittel in all likelihood, but I am on Viviani. Lack of sprint train never seems to bother him, and in a messy sprint he could go well.

Yes Viviani e/w is a good bet I think

I am not sure if Kitlel will have it all his own way ...bet Greipel is up for it and the others

Lusk_Doyle

pelevin wrote: »

Ironically the break are just going thru the feed zone, & I just had my lunch. You couldn't make it up.

Ironically?!?!

Curse this sarcasm detector!

pelevin

Lusk_Doyle wrote: »

Ironically?!?!

Curse this sarcasm detector!

I thought it was very ironic anyway.

dastardly00

Just tuned in now. 13.5 km to go!

MPFGLB

dastardly00 wrote: »

Just tuned in now. 13.5 km to go!

You were lucky ...I am fnding it hard to stay awake

OMG so many people

dastardly00

MPFGLB wrote: »

You were lucky ...I am fnding it hard to stay awake

Well that bridge is pretty cool... :pac:

dastardly00

Nibbles is ridiculously close to the front.

MPFGLB

Well that was easy

MPFGLB

I suppose all the Germans who crosed the broder will be very happy

dastardly00

As comfortable as it gets for Iceman :cool:

pelevin

Can't get more comprehensive than that all right.

Inquitus

Different class to the rest of them.

Doc07

Hammered them. He's untouchable on those flat, non technical finishes.
Wonder will Cancellara make it to the next time trial or bail out early.

MPFGLB

Amador beat Nizzolo and Viviani !!

MPFGLB

Amador could lead this race yet

dastardly00

Kittel is only 1 second behind Dumoulin/Roglic so good chance he will be the leader by the end of the stage tomorrow.

dastardly00

MPFGLB wrote: »

Amador beat Nizzolo and Viviani !!

AND Greipel!

MPFGLB

Amador to win all jerseys but later to get arrested for kidnaping and holding valverde against his will

dastardly00

Nico home safe in 34th place (ahead of Landa).

Deignan back in 186th, 1'13" behind Kittel.
Cancellara was 195th, 1'51" back.

MPFGLB

Was wondering why Deignan finished so far back on such an easy stage but I guess he is keeping his energy for the mountains and anyway the sooner he loses time the sooner he can go in the break for a stage win

mezzanine08

It wasn't until they showed the overhead helicopter shot that you could see how easy Kittel made that look. What a performance.