Favorites stage 11 Giro d'Italia 2023 | Survive the climbs, then glory awaits in the city of Coppi

Once again, a stage of over 200 kilometers awaits the riders, and they will encounter plenty of water. Starting from Camaiore, located on the Ligurian Sea, the peloton heads northward on hilly roads, towards Tortona. It was in this city that the legendary Fausto Coppi took his first and final breath. This time, the organizers have chosen a calm approach, as the first kilometers are relatively flat. However, temporary difficulties begin afterwards.

The Passo del Bracco (10.1 km at 4.4 percent) is the first climb of the day. Like the other ascents, the gradients don't make headlines in the newspapers, but we saw in stage ten that many riders are already quite exhausted. After a short descent, the gradual approach to the Colla die Boasi and the Passo dello Castagnola begins. We keep repeating the same pattern, but even after the final climb, there is still over forty kilometers left until the finish line, which is good news for the sprinters.

The finale of the stage is mostly downhill, so the riders will descend at a fast pace. If any sprinters are trailing behind, it will be incredibly challenging for them to return amidst the descent. Eventually, the riders will arrive in Tortona, and the road will be flat again. 500 meters before the finish line, there is a right turn at a roundabout, followed by the sprint to the finish line in a straight line. If it comes down to a mass sprint, it's essential to be among the first twenty riders to take the turn. Otherwise, winning the race will be impossible...

Climbs
80.0 km: Passo del Bracco (10.1 km at 4.4%)
143.0 km: Colla die Boasi (9.3 km at 4.3%)
176.2 km: Passo dello Castagnola (4.9 km at 4.5%)

Times
Start: 11:45 a.m.
Finish: approximately 5:15 p.m.

Remember how we said that the riders would encounter a lot of water? Don't be surprised if that water falls from the sky as well, because it seems like it will rain along the coast, especially in the morning. However, the weather will remain unpredictable throughout the day. When the race reaches the finishing town of Tortona, there is still about a 50 percent chance of rain. At least the temperature of 16 degrees Celsius compensates for it to some extent...

How wonderful would it be to achieve a victory in Coppi's city? The sprinters seem to have the greatest chance of ultimate glory. When you think of ambitions and sprinting, Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) comes to mind. The Danish rider has set his sights on the purple points jersey and has an impressive list of accomplishments. Indeed, the former world champion already won the stage to Napoli in this Giro.

Of course, Pedersen is not the only contender in the somewhat depleted field of starters. Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious) and Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla) have already claimed a stage victory. Matthews achieved his win in an uphill sprint and usually concedes a little when it's flat. Nevertheless, these are the most dangerous contenders beforehand, along with Fernando Gaviria (Movistar). In stage ten, the entire Movistar team believed in Gaviria's chances, but those expectations didn't fully materialize. Gaviria is undoubtedly eager for revenge, just like another somewhat forgotten sprinter: Pascal Ackermann of UAE-Team Emirates.

For an Italian, winning in Tortona would be extra special. Besides Milan, Vincenzo Albanese (EOLO-Kometa), Simone Consonni (Cofidis), Alberto Dainese (Team DSM) and Filippo Fiorelli (Green-Project Bardiani) are also contenders. It would be an unprecedented surprise if they defeat the world's top riders, but perhaps the thought of Coppi gives them wings. Usually, Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team) is also preoccupied with legends and records. Otherwise, he wouldn't set such a big goal of achieving his 35th victory in the Tour de France...

Of course, the breakaway also has a good chance. Many riders are reaching their peak, which can result in less control in the peloton. Normally, Alessandro de Marchi (Team Jayco AlUla), Derek Gee (Israel Premier Tech) and Magnus Cort (EF-Education EasyPost), all of whom were part of the breakaway in stage ten, may still be warming up. However, riders like Ben Healy (EF-Education EasyPost), Davide Ballerini (Soudal-Quick Step), Harm Vanhoucke (Team DSM) and Simon Clarke (Israel Premier Tech) could give it a go. Clarke came very close alongside De Marchi in the stage that Pedersen won...

Top favorites: Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
Shadow favorites: Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla), Fernando Gaviria (Movistar), Vincenzo Albanese (EOLO-Kometa) and Jonathan Milan (Bahrain Victorious)
Longshots: Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan Team), Simone Consonni (Cofidis), Alberto Dainese, Marius Mayrhofer (both Team DSM), Ben Healy (EF-Education EasyPost), Davide Ballerini (Soudal-Quick Step), Pascal Ackermann (UAE-Team Emirates) and Simon Clarke (Israel Premier Tech) and Filippo Fiorelli (Green-Project Bardiani)

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