Giro 2014: Stage 12 Favourites: Time-trial specialists look to shine

It's time-trial time in the Giro with rolling route similar to the one where Alex Dowsett won in 2013. No Dowsett today, but who are the likely contenders? (Slideshow route/profile)

The first name that comes to mind is Adriano Malori who impressed in Tirreno-Adriatico, claiming the short time-trial in the final stage.In the absense of the big name time-trialists, this stage provides a big opportunity for someone like Malori to add a Giro stage win to his palmares. Unfortunately he crashed in stage 11 and past the finish line heavily bruised 18 minutes after winner Michael Rogers.

It’s a huge day in the GC battle and surely Cadel Evans will be thinking of putting more time into his rivals. Perhaps the impressive Rafal Majka could also put in a good ride. It’s also an opportunity for Ryder Hesjedal and Wilco Kelderman to climb the GC ladder.

All eyes will be on the Columbian duo Uran and Quintana. Uran can certainly hold his own in a TT but Quintana may find this tough going, especially given he is still suffering from his stage 6 crash.