Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2017 – Stage 3 Preview
By David Hunter
Canals – Riba-Roja de Turia 161km
After today’s fun, the stage is set for the sprinters.
With no classified climbs, this really should be an easy day to control. It should all be about the final 5km.
Finale
The final kilometre is not particularly easy. Not only does it rise at an average gradient of 2%, but it also contains a few tight corners. The importance of good positioning cannot be stressed enough.
If you have a number of teammates to help, it’s best to hit the front with 3.5km remaining. Yes, you will burn men up, but you’ll remain near the front of the bunch for the crucial corners. Those sprinters that only have 2 men to help, really do need to time their attack to perfection.
Contenders
Nacer Bouhanni – the top sprinter in the field. The Frenchman is one of the best in the business, the only rider really capable of challenging the likes of Greipel, Kittel and Cavendish in the biggest races. He is here to win stages, something he failed to do in 2016, thanks to a misfiring sprint train. He crashed early in stage 2 and wasn’t around at the end of the stage, but he’s a very strong rider and I think he’ll be fighting for the win.
Bryan Coquard – like all the sprinters, stage 2 wasn’t for him. Direct Energie will work hard to ensure he has a chance in this stage. Coquard has a tremendous record in 2.1 races, so he’ll be confident of beating Bouhanni.
Magnus Cort Nielsen – looks like he has the strongest train, but is the Dane in form? I would have expected him to do better in stage 2, but maybe he’s just saving himself for the pure sprint stages. He doesn’t have the same top end speed as his French rivals, so he’ll need to rely on his lead out train to help.
Wouter Wippert – it’s almost unfair to compare Wippert against the sprinters already mentioned. He’s not had the easiest time, since joining the team from Drapac, but he does have a good kick. If he wants a new contract in 2018, it’s important he starts the season well.
Kristian Sbaragli – the Dimension Data fast man is not really in the same league as Bouhanni and Coquard. However, he did well today, and clearly has started the season in good form. These races can often be good for sprinters who don’t cope well with the frantic finishes, fewer sprint teams mean an easier end to the race. He’ll hope to claim a spot on the podium.
Alexander Porsev – the Russian is a new addition to the Gazprom squad. He does have a fast finish, but doesn’t win many races. He ended 2016 in good fashion, finishing 2nd in Paris-Bourges. He won’t have a long sprint train, but could still do well.
Weather
A nice day for the riders after a fairly poor one today. Wind won’t be a problem either.
Prediction Time
It should be Bouhanni v Coquard. As the sprint is uphill and Bouhanni crashed during stage 2, I think the stage should belong to Bryan Coquard.
*Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2017 – Overall Preview
David Hunter
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