Giro del Trentino race guide
Thursday 23 April 2015 15:02, UK
We take a look at the route for the tough four-day stage race which should provide plenty of pre-Giro d'Italia action.
Preview of the 39th edition
The four-day stage race (21-24 April) is traditionally a fearsome test of the legs for climbers and the 2015 edition is no different, featuring two tough summit finishes
It is certain to provide all of the general classification contenders with an accurate barometer of their form going into the Giro d’Italia, which starts a fortnight later, as well as a chance to sound a warning to their rivals in advance of the season’s first Grand Tour.
Team Sky head to Italy with a strong squad as Richie Porte leads the team in his final race before the Giro d’Italia. Ian Boswell, Sebastian Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Mikel Nieve, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Xabier Zandio complete a well-rounded squad.
Stages
Tuesday 21 April - Stage one: Riva del Garda - Arco (team time trial), 13.3km
The race gets under way with the now-traditional team time trial and a real power course. Wide, straight roads should really see each team open up and test out their TTT formations on the pan-flat course. The first rider across the line of the winning team will take an early race lead.
Wednesday 22 April - Stage two: Dro - Brentonico, 168.2km
The first day of climbing doubles up as the race's queen stage. Despite the summit finish, plenty of eyes will be on the penultimate climb and the little-known Monte Velo. The beyond-category climb (also known as the Passo Santa Barbara) is a 12.4km grind that should blow the race apart even before the final climb. The second-cat ramp up to Bretonico should see gaps open up as the GC picture shifts significantly.
Thursday 23 April - Stage three: Ala - Fierozzo Val Dei Mocheni, 183.8km
Another summit finish and another stage back-loaded with tough climbs, the GC men will have more room for manoeuvre on day three. The climb to Montagnaga (second category) and the Passo Redebus (first category) will wear down the bunch before a long descent down to the foot of the final test. The 7.5km test leads up to Fierozzo and averages a painful 10%, maxing out at 13% to perhaps decide the race.
Friday 24 April - Stage four: Malé - Cles, 161.5km
The final stage sees more tough climbs before giving way to a rolling finishing circuit. The second-category Fondo and Passo Predaia are ticked off before two laps of a 14km finishing circuit around Cles. It's not all straightforward with ramps of 11% to conquer on the 2.5km climb, which drags up to the finish as the race concludes. The GC contenders will have to be vigilant in what could likely play out in the form of a select group sprint.
