The 2012 Giro d'Italia stays in the high mountains on Sunday, giving the riders one more tough ride before a rest day takes place on Monday. Sunday's Stage 15 course goes from Busto Arsizio to Lecco/Pian dei Resinelli for a total of 169 km.
Much like Saturday's stage, this one starts off flat for the first 70 km and then offers four steep climbs (map). The first is a Category 1 climb at Valico di Valcava, which last for 11.6 km and has an average 8.1 percent grade. Forcella di Bura (Category 3) and Culmine di San Pietro (Category 2) are the middle GPMs before Pian dei Resinelli (Category 2). That is where the finish line is, but the 15 switchbacks on the 7.8 km climb will be tough.
Garmin-Barracuda's Ryder Hesjedal wears the maglia rosa (pink jersey) once again as this stage starts, but we'll need to see if he has enough in him to keep his lead in the general classification.
Start time: 4:30 a.m. MT
Expected finish time: 9:19 a.m. MT
Broadcast: Steephill.tv offers a variety of streaming options
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.