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Today was not a favorable stage for Vincenzo Nibali. The Shark historically does not like short jerks with grim slopes, especially in the final part of his career. This is why the hamlet of Tortoreto represented a real trap for the shark. However, the obstacle was brilliantly contained.
The captain of the Trek-Segafredo, contrary to what happened in the stages of Etna and Roccaraso, has completely changed its tactical approach: he hid without squeezing teammates in any way. The Sicilian left the initiative to his opponents, in particular to the pink jersey Joao Almeida and the wild Domenico Pozzovivo. The 35-year-old has always appeared alert and attentive, aware that the details will decide this unpredictable Giro, in the hope that it can regularly end in Milan.
When, on the final wall of Tortoreto, they attacked first Pozzovivo and then even the pink jersey in first person, Nibali did not respond. He did not go into trouble, far from it. He managed himself with experience, climbing at his own pace and returning easily in progression, without going over the top. The feeling is that the Dutch Wilco Kelderman, in terms of brilliance, has something more than the Messina, but the accounts will have to be done in the Valdobbiadene time trial and, above all, in the three alpine stages scheduled in the third week (Covid and meteo permitting).
Today Nibali was particularly afraid Birdsong, very suitable for this kind of routes, he who won both the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and, in August, the Giro di Lombardia. The Dane, however, has certainly not stolen the eye, keeping passive without ever taking the initiative. Then, on the descent, he had to take the terrible blow of a puncture, which cost him the beauty of 1’15 ”: an enormous amount in a Corsa Rosa played on the edge of seconds.
The Sicilian’s changed tactical approach was also observed during the last 7 km of the plain, when he did not actively collaborate to go and retake Sagan and Pello Bilbao, leaving the responsibility to Almeida’s Deceuninck-Quick Step. In conclusion, a good day for the Shark: not only did he not lose anything (except for the 4 “bonus grabbed by the leader of the general), but he even earned 1’15” on Fuglsang, on paper the most accredited rival. To deal with tedious opponents such as Almeida, Bilbao, Kelderman and Pozzovivo, however, the feeling is that for Nibali the great alpine peaks are essential.
THE DECLARATIONS OF VINCENZO NIBALI
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Photo: Lapresse
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