Tour de Suisse 2024 – Stage 5
Adam Yates proved that he was the favorite for this race for a reason. Træen proved why he was good enough to take a big step up, and why 8th in Criterium du Dauphiné 2018 GC was not a one hit wonder. Tomorrow, more mountains.
Route
Ronco and Cari to start with. A long valley before they do Cari again. It will from the opposite side (the descend) the second time. A different sort of climb, steeper.
This does not look confusing at all. Heading down south for the first half, taking a loop and heading back up Cari.
Where will the breakaway form?
The two opening climbs are difficult, especially Cari. The thing is, it can be easy to control with a hard pace and UAE Team Emirates has the team to do so. I doubt they will give away the jersey easily. The descents are also tricky, and I don’t see them taking too many chances in the peloton. Adam Yates and Almeida are important riders for the Tour de France.
Finale
The 3D profile lacks the finale 400 meters. A very different type of climb compared to today. The gradients are steeper and it suits the pure climbers more. It was last used in 2016 with Atampuma winning after the descent. I’d imagine the best to do it roughly around 31 minutes.
Weather
A warm day with the sun shining from above.
Contenders
A. Yates – He will start as the favorite for the next four stages. It looks very difficult beating him.
Skjelmose – the second best. He can go back to back in this races, I’d think he will be among the best three in the GC.
Almeida – doing what he does best. Tomorrow is a different climb, shorter and steeper. It does not suit him the same way a diesel climb. He should still be able to play a “sit-on” role and that can get you far.
Bernal – he just missed 1%. It has been the story the entire year. He should be among the five best GC men, it likely costed him a bit to follow Gall’s early attack.
Gall – he should enjoy the stage tomorrow a bit more. Despite his size, he goes well on those digits. A top-5.
Mas – finally. It took him a good six months to get the legs going but once they do, he is a fantastic climber. I’d expect him to be in the top-10 again tomorrow.
Martinez – not his best day today. He is a pure climber and the gradients tomorrow will be better for him. A top-10
Rui Costa – Breakaway hope #1
Lutsenko – Breakaway hope #2
I. Izagirre – Breakaway hope #3
Who will win?
Something tells me UAE will bottle it when they have to control the opening part. Many of their riders are inexperienced. I will take a breakaway win for Lutsenko.
