Preview: Giro d'Italia Stage 5

The Giro is renowned for including some very long stages and this year is no different as the peloton will ride the 233 kilometre stage from Praia a Mare to Benevento. The route winds its way mostly on fast, winding roads that will take the race away from the coast and inland.

Dumoulin is back in pink after Stage 4 Source: Getty Images

The first part of runs entirely uphill, which will allow the chance for a strong break to form. Constant undulations will make it harder for the sprinter’s teams to organise a consistent chase.

The majority of the climbing is done with 30 kilometres remaining to the finish. The final part leading into Benevento runs slightly downhill until it reaches the city.

A lumpy day awaits the riders for Stage 5 Source: Giro d'Italia

The final kilometres are run entirely within Benevento. The first part rolls on wide and straight avenues climbing at first before descending. The second part runs on more narrow and curvy inner streets, with a sharp turn 1.2km before the finish. The home stretch is 200m long and slightly uphill, on a seven metre wide road.

Fans can expect a bunch sprint finish but don’t be surprised if we see another fast man end Marcel Kittel’s (Etixx-Quickstep) dominance in the sprints.

The uphill run to the line will suit the likes of Caleb Ewan (Orica-GreenEDGE), Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo) and Arnaud Demare (FDJ), more than the big German. Kittel also dislikes the longer stages. Meanwhile, Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) has a lot more experience in racing these longer distances and will be hungry for a win.

Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) is back in pink again (Getty) Source: Getty Images

Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) wears the maglia rosa and has a 20 second advantage over Bob Jungels (Etixx-QuickStep) heading into the stage. He will likely keep the overall lead barring an early breakaway taking the win.