May 22 post: You've probably guessed by now that I'm falling behind on the previews which is unfortunate at this point in the race. So, rather than describe the climbs, I'll instead point you to the stage profile (see link above) and the google earth tours below. This stage is a slog over five very difficult climbs in the Dolomites including the Cima Coppi (Passo Giau, 2236m), the highest point of this year's race.

The Dolomites region of the Northern Italy is actually smaller than most people believe; however, Stage 15 really is a Dolomites stage. I cycled in this region in 2002 and I can attest to the beauty and difficulty of the climbs. Passo di Fedáia, in particular, the second last climb is very intimidating. It's 13 km of 8% that appeared to me as one endlessly, steep road to the sky. I have a fond memory of the steep, straight section at the top which hits a maximum of 18%. Francisco Moser called it one of the hardest climbs the Giro did in his day.

This 229 km stage finishes with the 6.2 km 10% Rifugio Gardeccia climb ending at the Val di Fassa ski resort. The riders will look like mere mortals on this day. There are many good climbers a long way down on general classification now and expect one of them to spring to life and win this stage. — Steve

 Stage 15 Flyover (00:46) — rai.tv

Google Earth tours of the categorized climbs in order of appearance:
 3D Google Earth Tour of Piancavallo (1259m) — cyclingthealps
 3D Google Earth Tour of Passo Cibiana (1530m) — cyclingthealps
 3D Google Earth Tour of Passo di Giau (2233m) — cyclingthealps
 3D Google Earth Tour of Passo di Fedáia (2057m) — cyclingthealps
 3D Google Earth Tour of Rifugio Gardeccia (1949m) — cyclingthealps