19th May 2015 by Joshua Mott

Giro d'Italia 2015: Stage 11 Preview

Inspired by Stage 11's Grand Prix finish, Santini have designed the special edition Stage 11: Forli/Imola Jersey to embody the speed and power of the Ferrari name.

 

As if it hasn't been already, speed will be the name of the game for Stage 11. The lumpy route's profile reads like sharpened teeth, ready to snap the riders up. Today could be the perfect day for a breakaway.

The route takes in two category 3 climbs in the first half before the descending onto a 17 kilometre circuit, which the peloton will go round three times. At the end of these circuits comes the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Formula 1 circuit, home of the San Marino Grand Prix. This circuit is a sprinter's dream with a wide-open, smooth and exposed finish that could well see some fireworks if it comes to a bunch sprint.

A possible alternative to the sprinter's dream finish is that the lumpy first half of the stage, coupled with climbing of the category 4 Tre Monti climb just 23 kilometres from the finish could see a breakaway group establish a significant time gap that could, if bereft of GC threats, be left to go all the way to finish.

Our pick

Looking to improve on Cannondale Garmin's dismal early season run of form and build on Davide Formolo's Stage 4 victory, the 2012 champion Ryder Hesjedal could look to get in and early break that could well carry the Canadian all the way to the finish. Now no longer a GC contender, the hilly route could well suit Hesjedal who could use his veteran tactical nous to make a break for the line at just the right time.


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