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Stage 15: Conegliano → Gardeccia Val di Fassa This stage preview is available in the following languages:
(We are looking for translations in ALL other languages. Please submit your translation with the stage no. and language in the subject title. If you don't see your preview posted within 12 hours then please resend your preview as an attachment if you didn't already do so because we've had problems with some inline character sets like German.) Stage 15 preview: Conegliano → Gardeccia Val di Fassa, 229 km (Mountain) |
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 The term 'Dolomites' is often bastardized to generally describe the mountains of Northern Italy, but Stage 15 really is the Dolomites. (photo w/ permission by photolupi) |
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
Last (Ultimi) Km Profile
Race Director Angelo Zomegnan Previews Stage 15 (1:00 Italian) — gazzetta
