To the delight of many, the penultimate day of the 2015 Giro d’Italia has presented the very last mountain of this year’s three-week Tour.

The 20th stage presented two late ascents, the first of which was the highest peak of the race at 2178m.

Colombian climber Esteban Chaves remained in contact partway up the challenging ascent, but lost touch as the attacks began. In the end, Fabio Aru (Astana Pro Team) took his second consecutive stage and Alberto Contador (Tinkoff – Saxo) all but wrapped up the overall win.

For ORICA-GreenEDGE, is was about getting everyone to the finish to be able to celebrate the conclusion of the challenging race in tomorrow’s final stage to Milan.

“There were a few relieved boys after today’s stage,” sport director Matt Whitesaid. “After the first week we had, I am very very happy with how they have continued to ride right throughout the Tour.

“Results are obviously the priority, but it’s nice to be able to get to the final day with seven riders.”