Viviani: Kittel is all but unbeatable right now

Elia Viviani clashed with Sacha Modolo first, then with Caleb Ewan. The Sky rider won both bouts. Giacomo Nizzolo was up next, and again Viviani was victorious. Elbows out, shoulder down, the wheel was his. But the perfect position he fought for and won — sitting inches behind eventual stage winner Marcel Kittel with 300 meters to go — would not be enough. At the finish it was Kittel again, with a bike length to spare.

Viviani says the Kittel that showed up to this Giro is all but unstoppable.

“I think he’s the strongest sprinter I’ve seen in the first seven years I’ve done as a pro,” Viviani said. “Yeah, today I spent a lot to take his wheel, but when he starts [sprinting] I can’t stay on his wheel. I never think to pass him, but only staying on his wheel. And I lose a few meters. That is just strong.”

Viviani finished second, a full bike length behind Etixx – Quick-Step’s star sprinter. It’s a result he’s pleased with, he said, given the reality of Kittel’s current form. Speaking with press at the Team Sky bus following Sunday’s stage, Italian sprinter appeared resigned to the his situation.

“Kittel is in top form. He’s unbelievable. At the moment he’s the …

continue reading in source velonews.competitor.com