On Thursday, the 2012 Giro d'Italia returns once again to the medium mountains, having just completed the 255 km ride through the flats. Stage 12 is 100 km shorter and runs from Seravezza to Sestri Levante, but this is a winding route in addition to having several climbs.
After roughly 50 km of flat course to start things off (map), the cyclists hit their first climb (GPM 4) of the day at La Foce and then move on to a GPM 3 at Valico Guaitarola at the 91.7 km mark. A GPM 2 comes at Valico La Mola, which marks the last, but there will be another climb right before the end of the stage. A GPM 3 at Villa Tassani reaches an 11 percent climb and then a gradual descent leads to a run to the finish line at Sestri Levante.
Garmin-Barracuda's Ryder Hesjedal remains in second place, 17 seconds behind Joaquim Rodriguez. Will Hesjedal be able to cut down that gap ahead of him?
Start time: 5:05 a.m. MT
Expected finish: 9:09 a.m. MT
Broadcast info: Steephill.tv provides numerous TV listings and streaming options
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.