Today’s stage at Giro d’Italia contains four climbs and ends with an uphill finish. This day will be very important for the GC riders.

Several riders already have a significant disadvantage on GC so attempts will certainly be made. But it’s also possible that a break stays ahead. Maxime Monfort already looks forward to the challenge.

“I’m happy about my position on GC after nine stages (23rd at 4’51” of leader Brambilla, ed.)," he said. "Perhaps I lost a bit more time than I hoped during some stages, but as of today the real mountain stages are scheduled. I feel better and better every day, that’s a good thing as the Giro gets tougher towards the end.

"Today’s stage is the first real climbing stage, it will be a long day which contains hard climbs and an uphill finish. It will depend on how the legs will be after yesterday’s rest day, but I feel stronger every day. It will be a beautiful stage and I think that the break might survive to the end. We have to make sure that we don’t miss the opportunity!”