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Attacking the Bell Lap G18-100
On the final lap through the streets of Rome, a small group got away led by Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin). He went clear of the rest as they crested the only climb of the day. Just to his left are the Spanish Steps leading back down to the piazza. His route will include a couple of tight hair pin turns before encircling the piazza on their way back to the Coloseum. Just off of the piazza is a small church that houses on of Caravaggio's best paintings, the Crucifixion of St. Peter. Oddly it is located in a dimly lit side altar, although a few euros will bring it to brilliant light for a few minutes. I digress. With a rider like Tony Martin, it will be a big effort for the sprinters' lead out trains to re-establish control at the front of the race.