Giro 2018 Favourites stage 3: Southernmost Giro-sprint ever

At over 200 kilometres, the 3rd stage of the Giro d'Italia runs entirely through the desert. The finish is in Eilat, which is the southernmost place the race ever visited in its long history. Odds are this one will be for the sprinters. (Slideshow route/profile)

The first half of the 229 kilometres journey through the Negev Desert is the most accidented part of the route. Yet, the vertical gain is basically all on sheer endless false flats, while the last 50 kilometres are as flat as a roller rink. When the sprint teams are watchful, nothing will stand in the way of a bunch sprint.

Last year, Fernando Gaviria was the fastest sprinter in the Giro d’Italia. The Colombian won four stage wins, yet he will be absent in 2018.

Elia Viviani is the only stellar sprinter on the start list. His move from Sky to QuickStep worked out well for the Italian. He already won five stages – two in the Dubai Tour, one in Abu Dhabi, one in the Tour Down Under, and Driedaagse Brugge-De Panne – and the Dubai Tour’s GC.

The Italian continued his winning streak in the Giro’s first opportunity for fast finishers. Yesterday he outpowered Jakub Mareczko, Sam Bennett, Niccolo Bonifazio and Sacha Modolo in Tel Aviv.

Favourites 3rd stage 2018 Giro d’Italia

*** Elia Viviani, Niccolo Bonifazio, Sam Bennett
** Danny van Poppel, Sacha Modolo, Jakub Mareczko, Ryan Gibbons
* Jens Debusschere, Enrico Battaglin, Andrea Guardini, Clement Venturini