Sunday, April 27, 2025

Il Giro d’Italia 2014 – Stage 3; Armagh – Dublin, 187 km. Marcel Kittel’s Second.

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HomeRaceRace ReviewsIl Giro d'Italia 2014 - Stage 3; Armagh - Dublin, 187 km....

Marcel KittelToday’s stage Stage Three was a re-run of Saturday’s with Marcel Kittel proving again that he’s not just quick but very, very strong.

Again he was out of position but with the strength of a bull he came over everyone from well back to win.

The press always want to attach labels; ‘fastest man in the world’ to sprinters – and whilst it’s never as simple as that, the big German is certainly impressive.

His manner is good too with a smile never far away.

Ben Swift was on the wrong end of Kittel’s power – despite an excellent lead out by Boasson Hagen the Rotherham man couldn’t add to his 2014 wins tally from the Coppi Bartali and Basque Country.

Marcel Kittel
Marcel Kittel shows he’s improved to the point of being a force in any sprint. Photo©Fabio Ferrari

Our VeloVeritas sage and soothsayer Vik and I argue about Ben; I reckon there’s a lot of big results to come from the man but Vik reckons he’s seriously ‘lacking’ – we’ll not use Vik’s word.

But in my book anyone who can make the Milan-Sanremo podium is quality.

Despite Cannondale providing a superb lead-out Viviani was ‘only’ third; but with two wins over Cav in Turkey and all that track speed he must be in with a shout of a stage win in this Giro.

Marcel Kittel
Kittel performed “an attack” rather than a sprint. Photo©Fabio Ferrari

It’ll be hard work for those Cannondale boys though.

Whilst it’s easy to write Basso off, he showed in the Vuelta last year – until the weather did for him – that he’s still a very classy and determined competitor and will require the services of the team when the roads begin to slice the contour lines.

GreenEdge with Tuft and Matthews; Giant with Kittel and QuickStep with Uran will be the chirpiest teams on the plane transfer way down to the hot dusty ‘heel’ of Italy.

Garmin, sans Dan Martin; Katusha with Rodriguez time loss the most subdued.

But all the squads will be be glad of the sunshine and being able to find the real rhythm of the Giro.

Marcel Kittel
Marten Tjallingii has helped to enliven the first few stages in Ireland. Photo©Fabio Ferrari

Tuesday’s Stage Four has the organisers showing mercy with a mere 121 kilometres around Bari on the menu for the day – but it’ll be quick,  with an eight lap ‘crit’ to finish.

A hat trick for big Marcel?

It’s hard to bet against…

Marcel Kittel
The rain in the north for the first couple of stages… Photo©Fabio Ferrari
Marcel Kittel
Sun made an appearance towards the end of Stage Three into Dublin. Photo©Fabio Ferrari
Ed Hood
Ed Hood
Ed was involved in cycling for over 50 years. In that time he was a successful time triallist, a team manager and a sponsor of several teams and clubs. He was also a respected and successful coach and during the winter months often worked in the cabins at the Six Days for some of the world's top riders. Ed was a highly respected journalist, his tales of chasing the Giro, Tour, Vuelta, Classics and World Championships - and his much-loved winter Six Days - are legendary, never the same twice, they gave our site an edge other cycling media could never duplicate or challenge. Sadly Ed passed away in January 2025, two years after suffering a devastating stroke.

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