Giro 2024 Favourites stage 10: Attackers in the high mountains

foto: Cor VosThe 10th stage of the Giro d'Italia can pan out in different ways, but there is one certainty: a climber is going to take the spoils. The finish is situated at the Bocca della Selva, an ascent of 17.9 kilometres with an average gradient of 5.6%. (Slideshow route/profile)

The riders are to conquer an altitude gain of 2,850 metres over a 142 kilometres route. All climbing takes place in the last 90 kilometres of action.

To put it differently, the route is flat for the first 50 kilometres. Chances are that the breakaway will form during this phase; if so, the best climbers will not necessarily be upfront. This would mean that the breakaway is relatively easy to catch in the uphill finale. However, another option is that the battle for the break will be so intense that it lasts until the first climbs. In that case, the strong climbers will definitely be there, increasing the chances for the attackers to be successful.

The first uphill section is not a proper climb yet. The road rises over 5.6 kilometres at 3.4% to Arpaia. The Giro passes through the village at kilometre 52, and 10 kilometres later, the Monte Taburno is crested after a 3.1 kilometres climb at 8.3%. Both climbs are not KOM classified.

The first points for the mountain classification are available in Camposauro. Which is a 6.1 kilometres climb at 7.8% with the summit after 82.5 kilometres in the saddle.

Following the descent, the riders enter a phase with some minor climbs. The first one rises over 4.8 kilometres at 6.5% to Guardia Sanframondi (no KOM) and then the route undulates towards the foot of the finishing climb. The intermediate sprint for times bonuses is in Cusano Mutri, situated on a 700 metres stretch at 6%.

The Bocca della Selva begins shortly after the intermediate sprint. The climb totals 20.9 kilometres and the average gradient sits at 4.6%, although that statistic is biased by an undulating opening (in fact, the climb really begins 3 kilometres behind the official start) and a false flat section halfway. The final 6 kilometres serve up an average gradient of 7.2%.

Although it would be relatively easy for a team with GC ambitions to control the break, it’s not unlikely that the attackers will be given free rein. So, we’re putting our money on a successful breakaway.

Favourites 10th stage 2024 Giro d’Italia

*** Mauri Vansevenant, Nairo Quintana, Giulio Pellizzari
** Tadej Pogacar, Attila Valter, Esteban Chaves, Juan Pedro López
* Damiano Caruso, Romain Bardet, Nicola Conci, Alessandro Verre, Jan Tratnik

Another interesting read: route 10th stage 2024 Giro.