Well Stage 19 turned out to be one of the most incredible of all time with the Team Sky train seen to full effect up the first major climb. This provided a perfect launchpad for Chris Froome to time trial 80km to an emphatic victory, not only claiming the win but effectively leaving him as a strong favourite to take the Giro D’Italia title.
We were frustrated to see Froome do the business as we had whittled it down to a choice between himself and Domenico Pozzovivo who blew up in spectacular fashion.
On to Stage 20 and another extremely tough day as the peloton take on 3 category 1 climbs in the last 80km.
Given Froome’s standing at the head of the field it is unlikely Sky will ride as aggressively.
So a definite chance for the breakaway to claim only a second stage of the tour. Given the relatively flat start it will be tough for the climbers to get into the break but whoever does will have a superb chance come the testing end on the slopes of Cervinia.
Predicting the breakaway candidates is always tough but we believe that Carlos Betancur could be the man to deliver. The talented Colombian was extremely active in the early part of Friday’s stage as he tried to get in the breakaway move.
Ultimately, Betancur kept his powder dry, rolling in well down the field to make him of little concern to Sky today. He is a brilliant climber and has shown he can compete with the big boys on any climb while also being a tremendous descender.
Recommendation: Carlos Betancur to win Stage 20 of the Giro, 1pt each way, 35/1 Paddy Power
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