Why does the Giro d’Italia start in Hungary?
They want to make the Giro even more popular. At the same time, Hungary is hoping for a tourist effect. This start was already planned for 2020, but it fell through due to Corona. By the way: The Giro started in Jerusalem (Isr) four years ago.
Why is defending champion Egan Bernal absent?
The super climber from Colombia broke several bones in a training fall in January and was in the hospital for weeks. Bernal (25) first had to learn to walk once more. Now he’s slowly but surely fighting his way back.
Who are the Giro favourites?
Olympic champion Richard Carapaz (28, Equ) won the 2019 Giro, Tao Geoghegan Hart (27) in 2020. And Adam Yates (29, Gb) also has the potential to win. Otherwise? João Almeida (23), the big promise from Portugal. Tom Dumoulin (31), the Flying Dutchman. And who knows, maybe Vincenzo Nibali (37), the “Shark from Messina”, will bite once more.
Which Swiss are there?
Experienced Reto Hollenstein (36), who is a helper with Team Israel. And Mauro Schmid (22), who sensationally won a gravel stage in 2021. He will have to work a lot in Team Quick-Step, especially on flat stages for super sprinter Marc Cavendish (36, Gb). However, the man from Zurich can try his luck with the pieces of medium difficulty. “I had my breakthrough last year. Now I want more », says Schmid.
Why only two Swiss start?
Because their teams focus on the Tour de France, the Vuelta or one-day races. And since only a few fellow cyclists have a leader role, they have to submit. By the way: ex-professional Grégory Rast is the sporting director of the Trek-Segafredo team.
What are the crucial stages?
The fourth stage takes you up to Mount Etna – that’s where it gets really hot for the first time. Three more mountain finishes are pending. On the penultimate day of the Giro, it goes up to the Passo Pordoi (2239 meters above sea level), the highest point of the tour. Here the legendary Fausto Coppi (5 Giro victories) wanted to give up in 1940 – but teammate Gino Bartali yelled at him and threw snow in his face. Coppi understood, continued and won the Giro.
How difficult is the 2022 edition?
Hard, harder, Giro! If you want to be on the top podium in Verona following three weeks, you have to be outstanding on the mountain. 51,000 vertical meters are on the program, 4,000 more than last year. The 26.3 time trial kilometers, on the other hand, are fewer than they have been in 60 years. After all: The last stage promises a showdown – then the second time trial takes place.
Why aren’t the super Slovenians there?
Child prodigy Tadej Pogacar (23, Slo) is focused on the next Tour de France victory, it has already worked twice (2020 and 2021). Ex-ski jumper Primoz Roglic (32) believes he can stand up to him. If it works?
Who else to consider?
Alejandro Valverde is here for the last time. Despite his doping past, the 41-year-old Spaniard enjoys some sympathy – probably because he can only win stages at most. Incidentally, Valverde is the oldest Giro participant, the Ukrainian Andril Ponomar (19) the youngest.
