2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 20: Maniago-Monte Zoncolan (167 Km)

[Libertine Seguros]

The true hero of the Zoncolan 2014 is Luca Panichi, who conquered the beast for charity. In his wheelchair.

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

On previous editions - the Zoncolan stage has been placed when it was set to make differences- as it happened. This year, after the gaps already generated among the GC riders & practically the title secured by Quintana, it was clear that it was going to be a parade in some way - apart of course from the stage winner

It has been largely inconsequential in 4 of 5 editions, regardless where they've placed it. It will continue to be largely inconsequential for the reasons mentioned by numerous current and former riders. No offense, but in addition to the data that speaks for itself, I will also take the testimony of guys who race it over armchair commentators every time.

Simoni pushed it so hard in 2007. His time (2 minutes faster than yesterday's times for Uran and Quintana) speaks for itself, along with his output on that day. A super-doped Di Luca said after the stage that Simoni's pace hurt him bad, and yet, all Simoni could put into him and Cunego was about 30 seconds. I really wanted Zoncolan to be what some of you think it can be, but it won't. The riders are correct.