26 May 2010

Giro d'Italia - Stage 16

The mountain top finish for stage 16.

All about the mountain finish. If I were to specialize in a rider type it would definitely be a climber. You have the most to gain as a climber, because everyone goes 1 speed up the mountain and it's slow. Look at Ivan Basso. Dude was 11th in the GC standings after stage 14. After stage 15 he was 3rd with 3:33 behind the leader. After stage 16 he was 2nd in the GC standing with 2:47 behind David Arroyo, the GC leader. You definitely make your moves in the climbs and defend on the flatter stages.

In any race or tour the climbing will separate the men from the babies. Look at Bradley Wiggins from Team Sky. After stage 14 he was 7th in the GC standings with 6:32 behind the leader. After stage 15 he dropped to 23rd with 28:14 behind. After stage 16 he dropped to 24th with 30:49 behind. He may be a strong all around rider, but climbing is not his forte.

Climbing is definitely not for babies. Ask Vino.

The rest of the standings after stage 16.

More images from here.