Fantasy Cycling tips: Giro Stage 9

No Sicilian has ever won the Giro, and one of the big favourites this year, Vincenzo Nibali, hails from Messina. Some 5 million people live on the island, and it would be no surprise if most of them came to cheer on their hero. Sicily’s flag is similar to that of the Isle of Man, which should give Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh some cheer as they and the rest of the peloton tackle two separate ascents of Mount Etna.

GT’s tips

Being from this part of Sicily, Nibali knows the roads, he’ll be pretty geed up for this one and be looking to make an impact for sure. It’s a big day for the GC, especially with tomorrow being a rest day. The temperature will be a factor, it will be very warm down there, which brings issues such as hydration into play too.