The 2012 Giro d'Italia finally enters the high mountain stages on Saturday with Stage 14's run from Cherasco to Cervinia. The stage is deceptive for the first 137 of 206 km, as it is mostly flat. However, that marks the start of a Category 1 climb up the Col de Joux to the 160th km (map).
After the descent from the Col de Joux, the cyclists make a descent to the 178th km before starting the grind up to Cervinia, which has a maximum of as 12 percent climb. We could see significant changes in the pursuit of the maglia rosa (pink jersey).
Joaquim Rodriguez holds a 17-second lead over Garmin-Barracuda's Ryder Hesjedal, but he certainly could lose the race lead since he is not the best-suited racer for these mountains. Will the maglia rosa change bodies after Saturday's stage?
Start time: 3:35 a.m. MT
Expected finish time: 9:18 a.m. MT
Broadcast info: Steephill.tv offers a variety of options.
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.