Filippo Ganna the climber? Italian rider takes KOM from Remco Evenepoel at the Coll de Rates

Filippo Ganna is a huge rider both figuratively and literally. One of the best in the planet, but his physique means he is well suited to the time-trials, classics and even sprints. Recently, he 'stole' a KOM from Remco Evenepoel at the very famous Coll de Rates.

This is the side of the Spanish climb that is not as popular. In the past riders have gained huge notoriety from having strong performances in this mountain, and recently Tadej Pogacar took over the spotlight by having a leadout up it and taking the KOM. Ganna's KOM is on the climb from the opposite side of the mountain, from Tarbena.

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The climb is around 5 kilometers long at 5.6%, characteristics that are very similar to the Cipressa ascent. Ganna is a rider who has in the past finished second in 2023 - where Mathieu van der Poel won, but the INEOS Grenadiers ride outsprinted none other than Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar to finish second on the day. Ganna will have Milano-Sanremo as a big goal for this upcoming spring and this effort may very well be a test for what the riders will find in the 'longest race in pro cycling'.

With Tadej Pogacar aiming for the win, UAE Team Emirates - XRG will be looking to make the race as hard as possible and in the Cipressa we may see fireworks this spring. Ganna is a rider that can tackle climbs up to 5/6% just as well as some of the world's best climbers, taking to consideration that in these gradients the weight factor is not as important as in steeper climbs. In his effort, Ganna was 1 secon faster than Evenepoel and averages over 29Km/h in the ascent. He will start his season this Wednesday at the Etoile de Bessèges.

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