Stage 2 of the Sibiu Cycling Tour is a short 3.2 km individual time trial starting and finishing in Sibiu, Romania. The brevity of the course rewards pure power and explosive TT specialists over technical finesse, with margins likely to be decided in seconds. As a 2.1-category stage race, the field is competitive but not WorldTour depth, giving quality riders on continental teams a real opportunity.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Julius Johansen is simply in a class of his own based on available data. Two ITT wins in recent months and a perfect average position of 1.0 back up his solid TT stat of 70. On a 3.2 km course where form and confidence matter enormously, he enters as the overwhelming favourite.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Julius Johansen is the standout favorite with a TT stat of 70 and an extraordinary recent form average of 1.0 across two time trial races, including two wins. His UAE Emirates backing and consistent ITT dominance make him the rider to beat on this short 3.2 km course.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Filippo Baroncini leads the entire field with a TT stat of 76, making him the most statistically equipped rider for this discipline. Ivo Oliveira complements that with a proven recent ITT record including a podium, and his TT stat of 73 is elite-level for this startlist. Either could take the win if Johansen has an off day.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Filippo Baroncini leads the field with a TT stat of 76, the highest of any starter, giving him raw capability to go very fast over the short 3.2 km effort. While recent ITT form data is limited, his card quality and stat advantage make him a strong contender.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Ivo Oliveira posts a TT stat of 73 — the third highest in the field — and has a solid recent ITT average of 4.5 from two races, including a podium. His specialist background in time trialling makes him a genuine threat for the stage win.
★★
Dark Horses
Miguel Heidemann (TT 74) and Davide Donati (TT 72) both have the raw stats to finish on the podium but lack the recent competitive ITT results to confirm current form. Lorenzo Finn's engine — evidenced by a climbing stat of 74 — makes him a wildcard who could surprise with a fast, even-paced effort over the short distance.
Red Bull Rookies
Red Bull Rookies
Davide Donati has a TT stat of 72 and races for Red Bull Rookies, a team with solid collective support in this race. He has the numbers to challenge the top five but lacks recent comparative form data to elevate him further.
Red Bull Rookies
Red Bull Rookies
Lorenzo Finn sits at a TT stat of 69 but boasts an impressive climbing score of 74, suggesting an all-round engine that can sustain power output even on a flat ITT. Lined up for the Tour de l'Avenir and World Championships, he is clearly a rider with ambition and form.
REMBE - rad-net
REMBE - rad-net
Miguel Heidemann carries the second-highest TT stat in the field at 74 and is a capable time trialist who will be eager to perform ahead of the Tour of Austria. Without recent ITT results to validate form, he slots in as a dark horse.
★
Ones to Watch
Mark Donovan, Thomas Gloag, Pablo Torres, and Byron Munton all sit in the 68–69 TT stat range and represent the best of the rest. None have compelling recent ITT results, but the shortness of the course means a single strong ride could propel any of them into the top ten or beyond.
Modern Adventure
Modern Adventure
Byron Munton holds a TT stat of 69 for Modern Adventure and represents one of the more intriguing unknowns in the field. With no recent ITT form on record, he is a speculative pick but his stat line keeps him firmly in contention for a surprise result.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Mark Donovan has a TT stat of 68 and strong hills and climbing scores, though his single recent ITT result was a disappointing 61st. A good day could see him sneak into the top ten on this short course.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Pablo Torres has a TT stat of 69 and an exceptional climbing score of 76, hinting at a powerful engine suited to sustained efforts. He is an outsider to watch if the short course favours raw wattage over pure TT specialisation.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Thomas Gloag shares the same TT stat of 68 as Donovan and brings solid all-round numbers from Pinarello-Q36.5. No recent ITT data is available, but his card profile suggests potential to outperform his seeding.
Verdict
Julius Johansen is the clear favourite, having won both of his recent ITT starts and boasting strong UAE Emirates support, while Filippo Baroncini and Ivo Oliveira represent the most dangerous challengers with their high TT stats and proven pedigree.