Stage 2: Arnhem › Nijmegen – 190km
After Tom Dumoulin’s home victory in Stage 1, the Giro continues with a sprinter-friendly Stage 2 in the Netherlands. There isn’t a whole lot to say about the route, as the only climb of the day, a Cat. 4, shouldn’t present much of a challenge for anyone. There are a few corners in the finale, including a left hook inside the final kilometer, but this should be a day for the fast finishers.
At his best, Marcel Kittel is the fastest rider in this field, and his 5th place finish in the TT would suggest that he’s feeling very strong right now. The Etixx rider is the man to beat in Stage 2. André Greipel looks to be his likeliest challenger, though don’t count out Caleb Ewan. He hasn’t had too much opportunities to face off against competition like this in a race this big, but that doesn’t mean he won’t factor.
Sacha Modolo and an always-effective Lampre Giro leadout could be in the mix as well, along with the speedy Elia Viviani and the ever-present Giacomo Nizzolo. Jakub Mareczko, Arnaud Démare, and Matteo Pelucchi are others to keep an eye on out of a very impressive list of sprinters at this Giro.
VeloHuman Stage 2 Favorites
1. Marcel Kittel | 2. Andre Greipel | 3. Caleb Ewan
Be sure to check out my overall race preview over at VeloNews, and don’t miss the Recon Ride’s pre-race show! Giacomo Nizzolo and Jakob Fuglsang both make an appearance in the podcast.