Saturday, November 14, 2009

Michele Bartoli Recons Giro's Stage 7







Michele Bartoli, the Italian ex-professional who won a number of the one day classics, did a reconnaissance ride yesterday for the Gazzetta dello Sport around the gravel roads of Montalcino that will be used on Stage 7 of the 2010 Giro d'Italia. The 215 km stage will begin in the famous marble city of Carrara and will end in the town of Montalcino. Of the 215 km, 19.7 km will be ridden on gravel roads. The first gravel sector of 5.5km starts with 27 kilometres to the finish. Five and 9.2 km sectors follow.

Bartoli's report: "Whoever wants to win the Giro will have to keep their eyes open. It's like turning back 50 years. It's a striking stage. The entrance of the gravel sector is hard and it scared me a little bit. The road shot up more than I expected, up to 17%, and you need a 25 gear behind, otherwise you can't go on. Also, the rollers don't allow you to catch your breath. It is going to be very difficult." Watch 4 minute video here (in Italian).

Photos: Bartoli on his reconnaissance ride (note that he has his own branded bicycle)

You can read Franco Pellizotti's reconnaissance of Stage 15 here.

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