Giro 2014: Stage 20 Favourites: Zoncolan time!

Riders have some time warm up with all the climbing coming later in the day. Unless the GC leader has a significant buffer, the race could still be won or lost on the mighty Zoncolan. (Slideshow route/profile)

With a stage packed with climbing, finishing on the steep slopes of the Zoncolan, it’s very easy to picture an in-form and in-pink Quintana riding away from the field to seal victory in style.

It’s the end of a three week race though and it is not always so easy. After dominating the Giro mountains in 2011, even Alberto Contador suffered on the famous climb and did well just to hang tough with his competitors. Quintana could well do the same and be content to defend his lead. However, given the fall-out from the Stelvio stage and claims his time gains were won in dubious circumstances, expect the young Colombian to go on the offensive today if possible.

Ivan Basso put on a show here in 2010, grinding away from Cadel Evans in the final kilometres. The two old diesels have faded as the Giro has gone on however and will likely find it difficult today.

New Italian hero Fabio Aru would no doubt love a win here and he seems to be getting stronger by the day while his older countryman Pozzovivo seems to be struggling after sparkling early in the race. 2nd place Uran would love to win the Giro here but it’s hard to see him riding away given performances on other mountain stages.

Pierre Rolland has been on the attack on so many occasions in this year’s Giro- perhaps today he can get his timing right and make it stick?