The penultimate stage of this year’s race promised one final gruelling climb, with the last remnants of the GC to be decided on the punishing slopes of Monte Zoncolan.

But while any hopes the likes of Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) may have had of overhauling Nairo Quintana (Movistar) failed to come to fruition – Quintana even outsprinting his compatriot at the denouement to deliver one final crushing blow – an equally enthralling tale was playing out up the road.

On several occasions at this year’s Giro, the break succeeded – Bardiani-CSF profiting with three stage wins for a start.

Two, however, stick in the mind most – or at least the story behind them does. After having his provisional suspension for doping overturned, Michael Rogers (Tinkoff-Saxo) had already marked his comeback with one fantastic solo victory on stage 11.

His performance on stage 20, surpassed that and then some however. The Australian climbed with ease – apart from having to fight through the wild throngs of tifosi on the climb. A touch fortunate to see his last remaining breakaway companion, Francesco Bongiorno (Bardiani-CSF), forced to unclip because of a spectator, Rogers nonetheless reminded everybody why he is so revered as a climber.

And, in doing so, the Australian ensured this new chapter of his career has begun with a bang.