As a team mostly made up of climbers, Colombia would dearly love to win on the feared Monte Zoncolan. The team deliberately held something back in the time trial to be ready for Saturday's big battle.

Only two days are left for the 97th Giro d’Italia, and a demanding 26,8 km uphill time trial from Bassano del Grappa toCima Grappa proved the perfect ground for Colombian Nairo Quintana (Movistar) to strenghten his overall lead, winning the stage with 17 seconds on Italian Fabio Aru (Astana), who moved up to third overall in the process, and 1.26 on his closest rival, fellow Colombian Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), who now has only the feared Monte Zoncolan finish to recover a 3.09 margin to Quintana.

Ahead of the final mountain test, and away from GC pressure, Team Colombia’s rode the demanding time trial with a steady pace, and looking to save the remaining energy for the final assault to a much craved stage win. The best of the Escarabajos on the day was Rodolfo Torres, 20th after sitting in the top-10 for long, before the top GC names got to the finish.

It was a good and encouraging performance for Torres, particularly at the end of his first 3-week effort:

“We know Rodolfo’s climbing skills, and today he provided a very good display, clinching an important results for him, particularly in a top-level race," Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli commented. "The other riders held back something for the final mountain stage, and tomorrow we will go for the big goal on the most anticipated and feared climb of the Giro.”

Monte Zoncolan’s ascent, with its 22% maximum gradient, greets the riders at the end of the penultimate Giro stage, 169 km after the start in Maniago. It will be the final big chance for the Escarabajos to go for a stage win, and they will not let it go without a fight.