2018 Giro d'Italia Race Preview
The details of this year's 2018 Giro d'Italia are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2018 Giro d'Italia promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated editions of the famous Italian race in recent memory, with a genuinely open field and a route that looks set to test the very best climbers and time trialists in the peloton over three gruelling weeks.
The race begins in Jerusalem, marking a historic first for the Giro as it ventures to the Middle East for its Grand Depart. The opening stage will serve as a showcase time trial through the holy city, before the race moves on to further stages in Israel ahead of its return to Italian soil. It is a bold and ambitious gesture by the race organisers, and one that has generated considerable excitement and some logistical debate in equal measure.
The route itself is suitably demanding, featuring substantial mountain content in the second and third weeks that will reward pure climbers. The Dolomites and other iconic Alpine passes feature prominently, and the organisers have ensured that those seeking to win overall cannot simply rely on one facet of their riding. Time trials bookend the key portions of the race, meaning that well-rounded performers will have a significant advantage over those who excel only when the road tilts upward.
Chris Froome arrives as perhaps the most talked-about contender, the four-time Tour de France champion seeking to add the Giro title to his palmarès for the first time. His presence however comes with considerable controversy, as he continues to contest proceedings related to an adverse analytical finding from the 2017 Vuelta a España. His Team Sky outfit will be expected to impose their customary control on the race, though the mountains may provide opportunities for rivals to attack in ways that are harder to manage.
Tom Dumoulin enters as defending champion and must be considered a serious threat to retain his title. The Dutchman from Team Sunweb demonstrated in 2017 that he possesses the complete package required to win a three-week race in Italy, combining exceptional time trialling with the ability to defend and even attack on the high mountain passes. He will be highly motivated on familiar terrain.
Vincenzo Nibali represents the great Italian hope, and the Shark of the Messina is always a dangerous proposition at this race. He has won the Giro twice before and understands better than almost anyone how to read and respond to the rhythm of this particular event. His Bahrain-Merida team will look to create chaos and unpredictability wherever possible, knowing that a straightforward race is unlikely to favour their leader against the raw power of Froome and Dumoulin.
Fabio Aru, Miguel Angel Lopez, Thibaut Pinot, and Domenico Pozzovivo are among those who could also play a role in the overall standings, while the sprints will see battles of their own among the fast men of the peloton, with Elia Viviani a name to watch in those flatter finishes.
Three weeks of racing through some of the most beautiful and brutal terrain the sport has to offer awaits. The 2018 Giro d'Italia has the ingredients to deliver something truly memorable.
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