Volta a Catalunya 2016 – Stage 5 Preview

By David Hunter

Rialp – Valls 178.2km

After a couple of days in the mountains, we return to some easier terrain.

This is a popular stage in Catalunya, with a tough finish.

The Alt de Lilla is 4.1km at 4.8%, with a maximum of 7%. Crucially, it crests with 10.6km remaining. The climb is on a big wide highway and the descent is very fast. Once in the town of Valls, the roads are tighter and the last kilometre rises slightly.

We have seen sprinters win here, but last year’s stage was crazy, with attacks all day long. The organisers included a difficult uncategorised climb in 2015, that climb has been removed again. This makes it more like the stage Mezgec won in 2014 and Gerrans in 2013. The cat 2 climb isn’t hard enough to create gaps, it’s a big ring climb. From memory, it’s always a headwind up the climb too, not great for any late attackers.

Sprinters

Simon Gerrans – after working for Impey, he should really be getting the nod now. The Ardennes are fast approaching and Gerro needs a good hit-out. With Impey in front of him, he’ll be the man to beat.

Gianni Meersman – his 2nd place in Olot was a welcome return to form. If he has Alaphilippe in front of him, he’ll also be put in a great position.

Philippe Gilbert – another looking to fine tune his form for the Ardennes. The tough finish means he has another chance to get on the podium.

Alexey Tsatevich – the Russian has been impressive this week. Will join a few riders in fighting for the podium.

Carlos Barbero – the Spaniard has been solid so far, picking up some crucial WT points. He too can count on a fast lead-out, thanks to Prades.

Enrico Gasparotto – at 34, I thought his sprinting days might have been behind him! Wanty have worked well for him this week, as the former winner of Amstel Gold, looks to get ready for next month.

Ben Swift – I’m starting to feel sorry for Swifty. His 2nd place on Monday, was his 5th of 2016. He does without much of a lead-out train, as his team are too busy protecting Froome or Thomas. He can handle himself in the sprints and no Bouhanni opens the door for him. He’s still hurting from losing to Gerrans in Victor Harbour, this is his chance at redemption.

Breakaway Chances

The downhill start is not good for their hopes. It gives teams the chance to control a 5 man break, with just one man. Once we hit the first hill, others will come to the front to help with the chase. I would expect Orica to take up the chase from the very start, this will be a stage that they are targeting. As we know from previous races, once they target a stage, they usually win it.

Prediction Time

It has to be Gerrans. Hopefully they have given Impey enough payback and it’s time to start winning again.

David HunterFollow us on @CiclismoInterJoin us on facebook: Ciclismo Internacional

Copyright © 2016 Ciclismo Internacional. All Rights Reserved