Tour de Romandie 2017 – Stage 3 preview
By David Hunter
Payerne – Payerne 188km
Another day for the quick men, or maybe another breakaway.
On paper, this is a more difficult stage than today. With the final climb cresting with 28km remaining, it is a hard day to control. To further complicate matters, we have a little kicker just after the descent from the final climb. It’s a perfect spot to launch a late attack. The final climb will be the end of the day for the sprinters with poor climbing legs.
Breakaway Hopes
On paper, this should have been the day for the break, not today. Given the right mix, it could go all the way again.
Weather
The riders will be delighted to hear that it’s going to be dry!
Contenders
Tom Bohli – one of the Swiss BMC riders will surely go for the break. The youngster did a very good prologue, so clearly has great legs. Making the break will not be easy, but if he gets there, he’ll have a strong chance of taking the win. Kung took a very impressive win today, can BMC go two from two?
Thomas De Gendt – a breakaway expert. Would be good to see him make the move and put the others to the sword!
Michael Albasini – yet another stage that looks great for him. After seeing the break wasn’t getting brought back, he didn’t sprint, saving his legs for days where it matters. No doubt Orica will set a fast pace on the final climb, they want to eliminate as many sprinters as they can. Even if they don’t drop all the sprinters, Albasini will still fancy his chances on home soil.
Max Richeze – I would expect him to survive the final climb. If he does, he stands a great chance of finishing on the podium. Supported by a strong QuickStep team, he’ll been the right place with 500m to go.
Elia Viviani – the final climb looks too hard for the Italian.
Sonny Colbrelli – given his recent climbing form, I think he’ll relish the final climb. He “won” the sprint today and starts this stage as the favourite. The pressure will be on his team to bring back the break. After today, they might just need some help.
JJ Lobato – not his best day today, but tomorrow is another stage. On his best form, the final climb is easy for him. I still believe a big result is just around the corner.
Ben Swift – a solid 5th place today showed that he is over his recent ankle injury. That will give him a lot of confidence going into this stage. He would actually like more climbs than we have, but saying that, he has a good chance of making the podium.
Prediction Time
Orica and a few others to control the break and we get a sprint. Even though he’s not the fastest here, I think that home advantage will help Michael Albasini take his second win of the week.
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