PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 11 - One final opportunity for the pure sprinters before race reaches Alps

Preview. After a brutal day on the rain, stage 11 promises a bit of a calmer affair. Stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia isn't a pan-flat day but it will be one for the sprinters, perhaps the final bunch sprint of the race for many of the fast men.

Stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia is to finish in the western city of Tortona. It is said to be a long day and one suited to the sprinters before the arrival to the Alps, although it does feature a couple of small ascents. It's another transition day, a long day on the bike with 219 kilometers on the menu, although these should be easier to control.

Estimated start and finish times for Giro d'Italia stage 11: 11:25-17:15CET

10.1 kilometers at 4.4%, 9.2 kilometers at 4% and 5 kilometers at 4.5% are the three ascents, and they end with 139, 76 and 43 kilometers to go. They aren't too hard, although they can be used to put pressure on some sprinters. From there on it's a slight downhill drag into Tortona.

Unlike some of the previous ones however, this sprint is more technical. It will be fast, the entrance to the final 2 kilometers sees a corner and roundabout that will be crucial. Here the peloton will thin out, and teams will make sure they get themselves in prime position here. Then there is another race to the final 500 meters where there is a sharp right-hand corner that leads into the final straight. It's all clear into the finish line from there on.

The Weather

Wind from the east with moderate strength. A slight tailwind throughout the day within the mountains. Here it shouldn't affect the day too much, but late in the stage tension will be high as there will be crosswinds. Not a relaxed day for the GC riders I assure you.

The Favourites

It is another day for the fast men. Here the pan-flat start will allow teams to control the breakaway, and even if the winds split the race slightly a bunch sprint is almost unavoidable. Mads Pedersen, Jonathan Milan, Kaden Groves and Fernando Gaviria should be the fastest men towards the finale and will be in contention for the stage win. Davide Ballerini and Pascal Ackermann rate as outsiders.

In a flat sprint others will be in contention. Some riders who have actually been hiding for the past few days, struggling with the harsh weather and difficult climbs. Arne Marit, Niccolò Bonifazio, Simone Consonni, and Alberto Dainese could feature in the sprint, and Mark Cavendish actually showed good legs today, not the speed in the sprint but he can be in contention.

Michael Matthews will be eyeing points for the Maglia Ciclamino. Marius Mayrhofer, Vincenzo Albanese, Filippo Fiorelli, Jake Stewart and Mirco Maestri will be eyeing an opportunity.

Prediction Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 11:

*** Kaden Groves, Jonathan Milan, Mads Pedersen
** Fernando Gaviria, Pascal Ackermann
* Mark Cavendish, Niccolò Bonifazio, Arne Marit, Alberto Dainese, Michael Matthews

Pick: Kaden Groves