The opening weekend of the 107th Giro d'Italia is already in the history books. The first two stages promised excitement due to the hilly terrain and they didn't disappoint. In this post, I will shed my light on things I noticed during the first two days of racing togethet with a little explanation.
1. What didn't work on day one did work on day two for Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates)
On the first day of this race, Tadej Pogacar could take a little bit of time towards his rivals, but didn't manage to win the stage. On the second day of this race, the Slovenian took a lot more time towards his rivals, but this time he also managed to win the stage. As a consequence, he is ahead with forty-five seconds towards his first rival after just two days of racing. As a result, Pogacar is well on track to win this race, though there is still a long road ahead.
2. Geraint Thomas (Team Ineos Grenadiers) is manifesting himself as a strong candidate for the podium
In the previous edition of this race, Geraint Thomas was second in the final general classification. In this year's edition he proved that he could do the same, as he is second after two days of racing and forty-five seconds behind Pogacar. Furthermore, the Briton will also have a really good team around him, which will support him and took their responsibility by defending the "Maglia Rosa" Of Jhonatan Narvaez.
3. Florian Lipowitz (Team Bora Hansgrohe) confirms his good condition
In the Tour of Romandie, Florian Lipowitz was the revelation, almost winning a mountain stage and being third in the final general classification of that stage race. On day one of the race, the German lost some time, but he did bounce back in the second stage. Lipowitz led the chase and made sure that the gap between the Pogacar and Daniel Felipe Martinez remained as small as possible. In the end the German still managed to become fifth as well.
4. The sprinters will get their opportunities
After one hilly stage and one mountain stage, it's now time for the sprinters to show what they have in the upcoming three stages. The sprinters, who were fighting for the points at the intermediate sprints during the first two days of the race, will now have the chance to do the same thing but then for the stage win.