Giro 2014: Mountains in stage 9: i.e. Finish at Passo del Lupo (Sestola)

The opening of stage 9 fairly relaxed but as is becoming typical to this Giro, the latter part of the stage contains all the climbing. Three cols and another summit finish today at 1,532 metres. (Slideshow route/profile)

The first 112 of the 174 kilomtre stage are as flat as a climbers stomach. After this there are 2 hills before a tough closing climb to Paso del Lupo.

Sant’Antonio is the first hurdle. Gradients of 4% over 13 kilometres. Upon cresting it’s a 17 kilometre descent to the next climb. Plenty of oppurtunity for struggling riders to latch back on to the group.

Rochetta Sandri is less steep than the prior climb and just 8 kilometres long. It’s a short descent, so while the climb is not tough, it’s important to be up front before the closing climb.

Passo del Lupo

The roadbook claims the Passo del Lupo starts in Sestola-Poggioraso, which makes it a 10.7 kilometre climb. Actually the road is going uphill for the final 20 kilometres but with the roadbook version the most difficult part. Steepest gradients are 13% with about 5 kilometres to go.