gmknobl

So, here are my guys, here is my guess, at who will win, place and show in the 2017 Giro. Feel free to argue and propose your own:

1) Nairo Quintana
2) Geraint Thomas
3) Thibaut Pinot

1) The best climber in the Giro. The question is, how deep will he go to ensure his overall? If he goes too hard he could diminish his chances in the TdF. He's not the best ITT guy but his climbing makes up for this. He needs to get at least a 2 minute lead by the last TT to make up for his deficit in this discipline but I think he'll do it. He'll focus on the Giro without a thought for the TdF but then, I think will find out it's too difficult to do the double. What will be interesting will be the first ITT. How much time, if any, will he lose to rivals on that one? Since it's half uphill, I'm thinking no more than 30 seconds if, in fact, he doesn't come close to winning it.

2) I'm a believer in this guy's potential. He can climb now even if it's not as scintillating to watch as Quintana. He's much more consistent this year to my mind than previous years, and slimmer too. His TT performances will be what gets him the most time over my other two contenders. He needs more time here - about 3 minutes is my guess - to cover any losses he'll have in the mountains. If he goes poorly, it will be on the heavy mountain stages near the very end of the Giro where he may crack on a climb before the finishing climb. If that happens, Movistar will just motor away from him. Then, GT will drop off the podium.

3) TP is coming into the Giro a little under form, which I think is good for him. He'll need it come the last week. But with his ability to both climb and TT unexpectedly well - think Romandie 2016 - he could surprise many, especially in that first TT where the first half is uphill. I think he'll survive the third week just fine too as I believe he'll be mentally more resilient than GT. But his team, while good, isn't up to Movistar's nor Sky's level for grinding out the tempo. And that could be a problem.

Well, what do you guys think? Argue away!

Gallo

The Shark Its in Italy It is a special 100 year edition best rider in recent years so sound in all disciplines and seems to know when to spend and when not to. He will not be saving anything for TdF

Nario best rider in many years. Seems to lose steam at times and strategy sometimes questionable. Incredible talent and I take a risk by not putting him first

Special K Bad luck last year left him of the podium. I think injury kept him from attacking after that fall. Seems like the Giro is made for a rider like him

diphthong

nibbles
zakarin
jungels

gmknobl

Tejay wasn't listed in the poll but someone had to be left off. But considering his past, I guess it's not unusual I have. Sorry I missed the fantasy league. Would have liked to pick a team but I think it's too late.

gmknobl

Oh, and WE NEED MORE VOTES! Not that there's any prize other than pride.

ozgur.nevres

That was also my guess, with the same order

gmknobl

Well, got the top one for one day then Tommy D the younger did a number on me. And Thomas? Well, all predictions are without respect for any odd-ball crashes. His chances are way reduced now. Pinot is still a threat as is Quintana. Tejay has disappointed again. Saturday's simple climb finish is going to be a fight but it's gradients aren't enough to dislodge Dumoulin, I think, especially with no difficult terrain beforehand. Nibali has lost time but still looks really good so I suspect he'll be someone to watch in the last week of mountains, as per normal.

ozgur.nevres

TD already won it

hobbs1951

Just as I predicted before the Giro began, that Tom would win.

Enough said.

John.

Noctilux.95

Not only did I predicted Dumoulin to win the Giro but had him crapping on the side of the road on stage 16.