Tirreno – Adriatico 2022 – Stage 7

With the GC settled, it is time for a sprint. A hilly start, but very flat towards the end.

The circuit.

They will do the lap five times. A right turn with 2.2 km left, and then a tricky little section with 750 meters left.

Weather

Wind blowing from the Southeast, up to 6 m/s. I doubt it is enough for echelons.

Contenders

It is a headwind sprint and quite a strong one. Having a strong lead-out is important too. The tricky section with 750 meters left will play a big role.

Merlier is the man to beat today. With Ewan out of the way, he has lost a great rival. Cavendish had a cold in the first stages, which puts pressure on Merlier. We will have to see if he starts his sprint too early in the headwind.

Cavendish had a cold on stage 2 but still made it. I guess he is feeling better. A headwind sprint is good news for him, he is very aerodynamic when he sprints. He also has the best lead-out train here.

Demare still has his lead-out train with him. It means he will be up there. I doubt he has the speed to win.

Kristoff – has been very consistent this year, but the stage is too easy for him.

Nizzolo – has been disappointing here. The train with Zabel and Impey takes the front too early.

Bauhaus – very consistent too. With Ewan out, he should aim for the podium.

Kooij will probably start his sprint too far back, as always. He is very fast and will probably land another podium.

Who will win?

A headwind sprint means I will go for Cavendish. He also has the best train by a margin.