“Saturday, 27 May
The 20th and penultimate stage of the Giro is perhaps the most terrifying for 98% of the peloton. No longer than 18.6 kilometres, but alone against the clock, and above all it’s mostly pretty steep uphill! After a flat start, the road climbs 12.1% in the last 7.3 kilometres to the finish line.
The Giro 2023 is a tormentor that does not fail to mercilessly strain the riders’ calves until the very last second.
The last time riders faced a mountain time trial in a Grand Tour on stage 20, Tadej Pogacar set the 2020 Tour of Corona ablaze. He ousted Primoz Roglic from the yellow jersey despite his lead of one minute and won his first Tour de France. Then as now: a mountain time trial is hell for tired legs.
So the Giro d’Italia 2023 is copying the recipe of the Tour de France 2020. Between Tarvisio and Monte Lussari, the riders can expect an route. The first 10.8 kilometres are relatively flat. A few waves, that’s all. But then it begins. The Monte Lussari. A chunk: 7.3 kilometres, 12.1% on average, and especially the start is beastly. From the foot of the climb, the road climbs for 5 kilometres at over 15%.
Then, at the top, you have a beautiful view. But it will probably only be enjoyed by the one who gets to put on the pink jersey at the award ceremony, because as things stand, he is the overall winner of this year’s Tour of Italy.“
( & Routes ’n’ Maps ’n’ Flags)
Route data:
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