Stage

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Course Preview

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This is the second stage in Tuscany and we moved north to the area between Lucca and Pistoia. The first part of this stage heads south to the flats of Fucecchio just west of Florence. We then return to Montecatini Terme and continue north to a wooded region where the stage peaks with a steep 762m climb at Goraiolo. The roads in this area are really windy so the combination of a decent climb and twisty roads will shatter the peloton. But there is still 80 km to go at this point.

We'll then return to the start town, Montecatini Terme, where we'll do four 14 km circuits that include a 211m climb each pass. After exiting the circuits, the riders will have a gradual downhill grade and flat run for the final 12 km and then a slight uphill finish. There is a 20% chance of snow for Montecatini Terme on Thursday so this stage could be even more miserable and treacherous than stage 1. — Steve

Photos from the 1969 Giro d'Italia and the circuits in Montecatini Terme

A detailed look at the last 14 km:

— Gavia (updates to this preview will be made during the race and especially the day before the stage with current analysis)<-->