Paterna > Valencia 91.9km

The race ends with a short stage in Valencia. Just 92km in length, this stage usually ends in a bunch finish. It is possible for something different to happen, you just never know how many riders will try and jump in the morning break.

Weather

The race ends with a sunny day, but temperatures will stay around 15 degrees.

Finale

The bunch approach the finish on a big highway, which means we could see some drag racing. The finish is nice and easy, the roundabout with 1km to go is the only pinch point. We do have another roundabout with 600 to go, but it’s very wide and shouldn’t cause any problems. The team who has control of the front with 1km to go will likely stay there until the finish, having a good sprint train is very important in a finish like this.

Contenders

Fabio Jakobsen – QuickStep didn’t get it right today, but even the best can’t get it right every time. The problem was that the rest of the train lost contact with Remco, but it is tricky in these narrow Spanish streets. This finish should be much better for them, the wide roads mean that the train should stay together. With Remco pulled into number 4, they are the team who are likely to control the final 3km and put Jakobsen into a great position for the sprint.

Alexander Kristoff – yet again, Wanty delivered a brilliant sprint. Kristoff is still a little off his best, but he will improve with every race. Two excellent performances by the sprint train are a great boost for the team, they look very strong. If they can get Kristoff into the perfect spot for this sprint, he has a good chance of finishing it off.

Elia Viviani – he’s doing okay, especially considering a lack of support. If he gets on the right wheel, he could take a win.

Juan Molano – the lack of teammates is making it hard for the Colombian. He does have Trentin to help, but they are likely to struggle given the type of finish we have in this stage.

Manuel Peñalver – second today was a brilliant result for the young Spaniard, although he would have loved to win in his hometown. It’s going to be very hard to repeat that performance.

Matteo Moschetti – got a good wheel in the sprint and delivered a fine win, what a great way to start the season. His crash in 2020 was awful, to see him back at this level is wonderful. Trek don’t have a sprint train of any note, but it just shows you what can happen if you get the right wheel to follow. Winning a second stage will be hard, but not impossible.

Prediction Time

A drag race to get in position is perfect for QuickStep, especially with Remco leading the charge. They’ll get a good position for the sprint and Fabio Jakobsen will take the win.