The 2012 Giro Italia has just five stages left, and Stage 17 on Wednesday heads into the high mountains from Falzes/Pfalzen to Cortina d'Ampezzo. The 186 km course (map) will test the rides on four categorized climbs and multiple technical descents. This could be a day that separates the top of the general classification from the bottom.
The first climb is the Category 2 Passo Valparola at the 72nd km, which is followed by a descent to about th116th km. At that point, the Category 1 Passo Duran intrudes at the start of three consecutive climbs. Forcella Staulanza (Category 2) and Passo Giau (Category 1) complete the climbs by the 169th km, but there are two small hills on the final kilometers to tackle as well. The last half of a kilometer of the course will be race to the finish, but will Passo Giau be the one that settles the overall race?
Start time: 3:55 a.m. MT
Expected finish: 9:13 a.m. MT
Broadcast info: Steephill.tv offers a variety of live streams
For more on the 2012 Giro d'Italia, stick with SB Nation Denver and visit cycling blog Podium Cafe.
