Cycling: 2009 Giro d'Italia

Stage 6 reaks of a breakaway attempt

Although now Columbia don't have pink anymore, expect them to try and set it up for Cav if noone is in the break. Has the makings of MSR. The last climb of the day (there are only 2 climbs) comes just over 40km from the end. Leaves Columbia enough time to bring back a break providing the break hasn't gone out far. Therefore odds of Pettachi @ $12 and Cavendish @ $34 are juicy. I'm banking on Columbia taking this back and setting it up for Cav.

I'm also looking at a few breakaway chances.

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If a break was to get away I've narrowed the teams down and riders who will be represented.

Barloworld will send someone to the front. Bellotti, Froom and Augustyn will be the main candidates. Augustyn is 3 minutes down so that will be a risk of being chased down as he can climb. Froom did a lot of work yesterday? I would say Bellotti.

BBOX will send someone up there. I don't think it will be Voeckler. Tschopp or Sprick will be the two candidates. Although it wouldnt' surprise me if Voeckler tried again. He's that type of rider and he wants a win.

David Millar will definately try and get in the group for Garmin. He has unfinished business after last year.

Caisse may try and send David Garcia Lopez.

ISD - As Visconti tried yesterday, I don't think he will try again today. Although I could be wrong. Dario Cioni would be my main bet or Andriy Grivko.

Lampre will send someone. The logical choice will be Manuele Mori

Serramenti might try someone again. It was Serpa yesterday so again I don't think he will try. Maybe Rodriguez or Scarponi? Probably Scarponi as he is far down.

Columbia will send someone. Possoni is my bet.

Katusha will send someone. Ignatiev will be the guy.

Milram will send someone aswell. I reckon Marcus Fothen.

Saxo Bank will have someone. Cancellara or Voigt. I fancy Cancellara!

Cervello may send Gerrans up the road. Possibility.

Although don't count out one or two of the sprinters try and get there. Pozzato or Forster.

Gilbert will definately try and get in the break.

AG2R will send Efimkin

Although dont' count out a sprint finish with 40 - 60 riders featuring Pettacchi and Cavendish. Afterall the last climb comes more than 40km from the end. Depends how motivated Columbia are. Considering they don't have the pink jersey if they can't get anyone in the break, then see them work their arse off for Cavendish.

Basically this stage tonight is a general incline of about 150km going to 1200m. It shouldn't be that hard for the sprinters teams to get it under control. The descent starts just over 30km from the finish. From there the first 4km are technical so if the break is within 2 minutes, it should be chased down as the road is completely straight.

However, this stage is tailormade for a powerful rider who can time trial who is daring enough to escape before the top and before the descent or on the descent. That's where Cancellara and Millar come into play. I know Millar is going to try a break eventually. I'll keep backing the brittish box till he does. It would not surprise me to see him there today to take the pressure off garmin when setting it up for Farrar. However, this is where Cancellara can also come in handy.