It’s going to be a hard day for the riders at the Giro d'Italia as they have to ride 210 kilometres through the Dolomites in this year’s queen stage. There are some daunting climbs on the route. There is a flat start, but then it gradually goes uphill towards the Passo Pordoi. The riders will also climb the Passo Giau. As if all these high mountains aren’t yet hard enough the Muro del Gatto awaits the riders at the end, a hill of 360 metres with peaks up to 19%.

Tim Wellens said:

“Yesterday I tried to bridge to the front group, but my legs exploded three kilometres from the first summit. It was all or nothing, as I had missed the break. When there is a flat start of the stage you need a lot of luck to get in the breakaway. Also today it is very likely that the escapees will battle for the stage win. I don’t know any of the climbs on today’s route.

“I think everyone feels differently when they take a look at the stage profile. A lot of sprinters are afraid to arrive too late at the finish, while the climbers are keen to show something. For the GC riders this is an important day, but you don’t really feel that when riding in the peloton. What I did notice was that there was a high speed all day long yesterday.”