After a one-state break from the medium mountains, the 2012 Giro d'Italia is back in the rugged terrain again. On Tuesday, the cyclists will race from Civitavecchia to Assisi along a 186 km route. Civitavecchia is on the Tyrrhenian coast in central Italy and the road to Assisi will be in a northeasterly direction.
The cyclists will be spared from any real climbs until the end when they face a Category 4 climb to reach Assisi. Still, there will be dips and rises throughout the entire course. The last five kilometers will be a strong test with a climb at San Damiano's that reaches 15 percent. Once at the top, there is a quick descent and then another climb back to the finish line.
Garmin-Barracuda's Ryder Hesjedal wears the maglia rosa, but this stage could be his undoing. He holds just a nine-second lead.
Start time: 4:35 a.m. MT
Projected finish: 9:14 a.m. MT
TV/Streaming: Steephill.tv offers a wide variety of options to watch the race.
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.