Today’s stage had a suprising winner with Luka Mezgec beating Gaviria and our pick Pascal Ackermann in a fast downhill sprint. Timing proved to be key as Gaviria started his sprint too early and acted as a perfect leadout man for Mezgec, while Ackermann got a little boxed in on the left side of the road. Now let’s talk about tomorrow!
Another day, another sprint-stage. The third stage starts in Chorzów and runs south until around the half-way point of the race, when it turn back north and finishes in the city of Zabrze. The first part of the stage is a little hilly, but it not something that the sprinters will have to worry about. Just like the first two stages, this stage ends in a short local lap, so let’s take a closer look at that.
The local circuit consists of 4 laps of 6.2km each. The circuit is not overly technical, with the final left-hand turn a little under 1km from the finish line. Just like stage 2, the final stretch to the line is slightly downhill so timing and positioning will once again be key.
The weather in Poland continues to be very favorable to the riders. The temperature will be around 22 degrees with no rain predicted and very little wind.
If you have watched the first two stage, you already know how this stage will play out. There will be an early breakaway which will be kept under control and reeled in by the sprinter teams when we reach the local circuits.
In order to win today, you want to be one of the first the go through the final left-hand turn with one or two lead-out men in front of you. Since the final kilometer is slightly downhill, positioning is once again essential. Sprinters that are too far back will have a very hard time regaining positions with the pace expected to be very high.
Pascal Ackermann
His positioning was a little off day, but he still showed he is extremely fast today. With a little better positioning, he is the man to beat.
Fernando Gaviria
Seems to be in fine form in his first race since his injury. Launched his sprint too early again today, but still managed to become second. If he waits a little longer today, he has a change to win.
Luka Mezgec
Suprise winner of stage 2. On paper he does not have the same power as Ackermann or Gaviria, but his timing and positioning was perfect today.
Fabio Jakobsen
Got boxed in today and also broke his chain in the process. Jungels was very strong as always, but his designed leadout-man Sabatini seemed out his depth. He needs a perfect lead-out in order to win.
Outsiders: Walscheid, van Poppel, Sarreau, Modolo, Venturini
Even though he didn’t win today, we still believe Pascal Ackermann is the fastest man in the race and will therefore win this stage.
