Giro 2014: Mountains in stage 8: i.e. Cippo di Carpegna

The organization labels stage 8 as ‘media montagna’. This is debatable as ths is far from an easy stage with three tough climbs including a summit finish. (Slideshow route/profile)

The first 118 of 174 kilometres are pretty straightforward today but form there it really starts…

Cippo di Carpegna

Cippo di Carpegna is first up today, and is the highest and longest climb the riders face. The road actually starts ascending after Lunano and counted this way it’s a 20 kilometre climb. According to the roadbook however,the party begins in Bivio, making it a 7.85 kilometre climb. The fastest time from Bivio to the top on Strava is 33:51. That said: without a doubt Marco Pantani has been quicker on these slopes – Cippo di Carpegna was his favorite training climb.

Villaggio del Lago

After a long descent the riders arrive in the village of Maciano, and that’s where the penultimate climb begins. The climb to Villaggio del Lago is over 9 kilometres long and the average gradient is a little over 6%. The last 5 kilometres are over 7% so it gets more difficult as they get higher.

Montecopiolo

The descent is extremely short (5 minutes, tops) and it’s straight onto the closing climb to Montecopiolo. The irregular ascent is slightly over 6 kilometres long with a 6.5% average but with the maximum gradient of 13% coming just before the finish line.