Torre del Lago (Lucca), 9 May 2024 – Challenging stage at the Giro d’Italia today, after the last ones designed for the sprinters but, as in yesterday’s arrival at Lucca, devoured by pistards. The sixth round of the Corsa Rosa 2024 is between Viareggio (Lake Tower) And Rapolano Terme of 180 km, and passes through the lands of the Eroica and the Strade Bianche, of which it shares two of the three dirt roads with the third previously unpublished. Right on dirt roads Tadej Pogacar it floats as if it had a different bike compared to the competition: proof of this is the monumental performance at the Strade Bianche last March, with the breakaway started and then won 81 km before the finish.
“First flat part in the Pisan hinterland up to Volterra – writes the race organization – Entered the Sienese you tackle the Vidritta dirt sector which, compared to the Strade Bianche, is 2 km longer and connects, less than a few hundred meters of asphalt, to the Bagnaia section. The latter presents gradients of up to 15% and, in Grotti, the second GPM of the day. Before Asciano you travel along the third sector of Pievina which mainly runs along the ridge with continuous short ups and downs. Very challenging finish with the wall of Rapolano greenhouses. The last km is structured with curves and ups and downs. Of note, about 5 km from the finish, is the Serre di Rapolano climb which has gradients of up to 20% at the end. Final straight line of 450 m on asphalt, 6 m wide, with a gradient of around 6%.
10.36am
The Belvedere Puccini dressed in pink
The Belvedere Puccini in pink
10:14
The showcase for Viareggio
While waiting for departure, the TV images are a great showcase for Viareggio and Torre del Lago: on display are the Passeggiata, the port, the beach, the Massaciuccoli and Villa Puccini. The Giro is also this
09:20
Yesterday’s stage
The winner of yesterday’s stage, the Genoa-Lucca race of 178 kilometres, was Benjamin Thomas: the Frenchman from Cofidis preceded his three escape companions, the Dane Michael Valgren (EF Education-EasyPost), the Italian Andrea Pietrobon (Team Polti Kometa) and his compatriot Enzo Paleni (Groupama-FDJ). Disappointment for Pietrobon himself who, one kilometer from the finish line, tried to attack on the counterattack, after having gained a good margin the Italian was caught up at the end: Jonathan Milan was fifth, the Friulian sprinter regulated the sprint of the disappointed group.
09:17
Times and TV
The sixth stage of the Giro, from Torre del Lago to Rapolano Terme, includes the meeting at 11.25 at the “Giacomo Puccini” Belvedere in Torre del Lago, where the Maestro’s villa and the large open-air theater which every summer are hosts the opera festival dedicated to the great composer from Lucca. Departure is set for 12.45pm. Live TV on RaiSport from 12.10pm, Eurosport from 12.30pm and Rai2 from 2pm
