Preview - Giro d'Italia 2022 stage 5

From Messina to Catania. The fifth day of racing is the second of two in Sicily, and it’s a very interesting stage which can see different scenarios succeed. Not a brutal day, but the first half of the stage is relatively hard and can see a dangerous group go up the road. The first kilometers of the stage are very rolling, and the peloton will then go up a long ascent.

It summits with around 100 kilometers to go, however it’s quite a long ascent. Gradients are very constant, but the pace has to be reduced to make sure the sprinters are riding well within the peloton, as it will be a very long effort. A gap can grow to dangerous dimensions, and with a technical descent leading into just 75 kilometers to go, it can make for a challenge for some sprinters.

If a bunch sprint happens – which I must mention, is still very likely – it will be on the streets of Messina. The finale isn’t overly technical, however it’s not a walk in the park. Tight corners with 1.3 kilometers to go and then 800 will lead the riders onto the finish straight.

**** Caleb Ewan

*** Mark Cavendish, Fernando Gaviria

** Arnaud Démare, Biniam Girmay, Giacomo Nizzolo

* Simone Consonni, Phil Bauhaus, Alberto Dainese, Edward Theuns