The Mountain Cometh

It wasn't exactly a rest day yesterday at the Giro d' Italia, but it seemed that way for the favorites and those ranked highly on the General Classification (GC). With the exception of former champion, Stefano Garzelli, who won his second mountain stage, Stage 16 amounted to "the quiet before the storm." And what a storm that may be!

Stage 17 from Lienz to Monte Zoncolan has been earmarked by the riders and tifosi alike ever since this year's route was announced. As you can see from the profile of the mountain top finish, this stage has the makings of being the final GC decider.

Current maglia rosa wearer, Danilo DiLuca (Liquigas) will need his "killer" instincts to be extremely astute. He will most likely have to fend off every would be contender up Zoncolan alone as his team has faded since the route turned uphill.

Saunier Duval, with its full complement of 9 riders, looks to be the most well placed team, as both Ricardo Ricco and Gilberto Simoni are only a few minutes arrear. Climber (and currently second on the GC), Eddy Mazzoleni (Astana), however, will have a say in the matter especially with Paolo Salvodelli aiding his cause.

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