Giro 2014: Stage 11 Favourites: Rolling terrain for the opportunists

Hills at the start and hills at the end with the finish after a long descent. It could be a day for a breakaway or perhaps for a classics powerhouse to escape in the finale. (Slideshow route/profile)

The profile suggests it is one for the opportunists, of which there are many. It is also a chance to regain time in the GC battle. We’ve seen Cadel Evans perform admirably on similar terrain in the 2011 Tour, putting pressure on Andy Schleck with his descending skills.

The stage looks like it could be set for a breakaway to succeed. Given so many of the GC hopefuls lost time on stage 6, we could see some big names up the road today.

Watch out for riders like Cunego, Scarponi, Roche, Deignan, Pellizotti and Arredondo in the break. Maybe even Pieter Weening has the legs to go again.

What about Mr Grand Tour Adam Hansen, currently riding his 8th grand tour in a row? He won stage from a breakaway last year in the rain and could well be eyeing up today’s stage.

Could 2012 winner Hesjedal be allowed up the road. he currently sits in 16th place, 4 and a half minutes off the lead. Maybe it’s more likely he will use his mountainbike skills to attack on the last descent.

Very tough to call but should make for an exciting stage. We’re going for a strong break making it to the finish.