Giro 2015: Stage 4 Favourites - Puncheurs with descending skills

Stage 4 is a hilly stage with no flat metre in sight. Since the last 10 kilometres are downhill after a short steep climb this could be a chance for the puncheurs with good descending skills. (Slideshow route/profile)

Another option would be an early break manages to stay ahead till the finish. That said, stage 4 is still early in the Giro, chances are the teams of the GC-contenders will want to control the race just like, of course, the team of the man in pink.

Philippe Gilbert said he aims for the pink jersey in the Giro. If so, stage 4 should be his lucky day. An attack on the closing climb and powering to the finish like we have see him do it so may times before. Problem might be the guy in pink, Michael Matthews, clinging on for dear life like he did in recent Amstel Gold Race.

Problem solved? Hi there, Simon Gerrans is next…

If a sprinter is to survive the hilly stage likely contender is Felline. Enrico Battaglin is not too bad either.

*** Michael Matthews
** Philippe Gilbert, Simon Gerrans
* Enrico Battaglin,Fabio Felline