PREVIEW | Giro d'Abruzzo 2024 - Adam Yates the ultimate favourite for overall classification

The Giro di Abruzzo has taken the place this spring left vacant by the demise of the Giro di Sicilia, attracting a strong field of riders. Set amidst the mountains of central Italy, the race promises compelling competition from April 9th to 12th. Let's preview this exciting event.

The race starts off with a hilly day, however the one that is most likely to end in a sprint. The day between Vasto and Pescara is 160 kilometers long and features a few hilltops, but it should end in a bunch sprint.

The second day of racing in Abbruzo features a tough ascent early in the day which is 4.5 kilometers long at over 9%. There are two combinations of climbs where the peloton can be damaged. The latter comes close to the finish with 5Km at 4.6% and 3.1Km at 5% which summit with 19 and 14 kilometers to go before the fast and downhill finale into Magliano de Marsi.

The queen stage. In the mountains of central Italy we've got a proper day in the mountains, with several ascents early in the day making it a tough first hour of racing. Everything will be pointed towards the final ascent to Prati di Tivo, which will also be used at the Giro d'Italia.

The climb is 14.7 kilometers at 7%, it will be key to the overall classification and will also provide an opportunity for the pure climbers to show off their talent.

The final day of racing is brutal and anything can happen. 173 kilometers of a roller-coaster ride from Montorio al Vomano to L'Aquila. In every sense of the word it's a constantly up-an-down day where the riders find many small climbs, none too hard but combined they can wreak havoc in the race. 3400 meters of climbing and overall attacks can come just about anywhere. The finale is also in a hilltop, so even a sprint could create race-winning differences. 

*** Adam Yates
** Alexey Lutsenko, Pavel Siavkov
* George Bennett, Matthew Riccitello, Paul Double, Yannis Voisard, Domenico Pozzovivo, Jan Christen, Diego Ulissi

Pick: Adam Yates