Giro 2018 Favourites stage 20: Last blast in the high mountains

The Giro's last excursion into the high mountains takes place in the last 94 kilometres of a 214 kilometres stage. The race across the Alps features some 4,000 vertical metres. It's the last chance to look up on GC. (Slideshow route/profile)

Following 130 kilometres on the flat the Giro d’Italia enters its last episode in the high mountains. In succession the riders are to rest Col Tsecore (16 kilometres at 7.7%) and Col de St.Pantaléon (16.5 kilometres at 7.2%) before the final haul-up to Cervinia – 18.2 kilometres at 5%. The first two climbs are by far the hardest and it all depends on ambition and legs where to strike. Yesterday, Froome turned the race on its head with a 80 kilometres solo-attack, but he really had no choice as he was minutes. Probably, Dumoulin will opt for a more cautious approach. The Dutchman is 40 seconds on the maglia rosa.

Obviously, the prolonged opening on the flat is the perfect breeding ground for a large breakaway. Expect the group to end up fragmented as riders tire in the mountains. It’s possible a strong man survives to take the stage win if the peloton gives them too much leash early on in the stage.

Favourites 20th stage 2018 Giro d’Italia

*** Miguel Ángel López, Chris Froome, Tom Dumoulin, Thibaut Pinot
** Robert Gesink, Davide Formolo, Sander Armée, Valerio Conti
* Domenico Pozzovivo, Richard Carapaz, Koen Bouwman, Ben Hermans