Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2017 – Stage 5 Preview
By David Hunter
Paterna – Valencia 130.2km
The final stage is no procession for the peloton. This is the same stage as 2016, where Stijn Vandenbergh managed to hold off the sprinters.
The cat 3 climb, Alto del Oronet, is 5.8km at 4.7%. Not overly difficult, but it can split the bunch if taken fast. After that we have a descent, before the lap circuit in Valencia.
Finale
Due to a long sweeping corner, the finishing straight is only 300m long. The corner is nice and wide, which does allow riders to gain a few positions, if they take it faster than those at the front.
Sprinters
Magnus Cort – took a very good win on Friday, a nice way to start the year. This flat sprint does not suit him as well, he really is brilliant on an uphill drag. Orica should certainly be able to position him well, with riders like Luca Mezgec around. It will then be over to the Dane to see if he can hold off the French.
Nacer Bouhanni – two crashes on Thursday, then a second place on Friday. The tough Frenchman was very close to winning that stage, but he just didn’t have enough to come round Cort. The flat sprint is good news for him and his sprint train. He will be hoping to see Soupe get it right.
Bryan Coquard – he went backwards in the sprint on Friday, most unlike him. Given that performance, it would be a sensational turnaround if he managed to take this stage. Not impossible, but I don’t see it happening.
Greg Van Avermaet – that was a fair effort from the Olympic champion today. He came to the race hoping to take yellow, but he also wants a stage. If the wind blows, we all now what a rider he is.
Oli Naesen – he’s enjoyed a steady start to the season. He is a big friend of Greg’s and knows what to expect from him. It’s hard to imagine him not being present in any move that goes away.
Philippe Gilbert – made the break today and would like another chance to test his legs. I like the look of him in the Quickstep jersey.
Weather
The final day could see some echelon fun. With a very strong wind, from the west, we should see the race break up as we head over the climb and back towards Valencia. This is ideal news for the classics men, they would dearly love a tough stage to get their legs ready for later this month.
What’s Going To Happen
I think we’ll see plenty of strong men attacking on the climb and heading down the descent. The wind should help to split the race and I don’t think the sprinters will be too pleased. As long as Quintana is involved in the front group, we should see it stay away. With only three proper sprinters, we don’t have many riders capable of chasing and pulling the race back together.
Prediction Time
The wind to blow and Van Avermaet to win.
*Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2017 – Overall Preview
David Hunter
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