Stage 20 – Saint-Vincent to Sestriere
Stage 20 – Saint-Vincent to Sestriere
The Cima Coppi climb – the highest point of the race – this year features on the penultimate day, with the Colle delle Finestre peaking at 2,718m.
The Alpine ascent comes after 150km of racing on stage 20, which is mostly flat, and kicks up sharply from the off with a 14 per cent slope welcoming the weary riders to the ascent.
Twisting hairpins from Meanna di Susa lead the way to the white gravel finale – where the road surface, and not just the gradient, could prove decisive.
It is not just the unpaved section which should be feared though, the whole climb boasts an average gradient of nine per cent and if the weather is bad it could be a brutal stage.
Last year’s penultimate stage saw Nairo Quintana mark Rigoberto Uran expertly, while Contador has the experience to do the same should he be leading.
But a stunning descent and a final 9.2km climb before the finish in Sestriere means there will be plenty of work to do for whoever is supporting the leading man come May 30.