The race opens with a more or less flat section of 35 kilometres and from then on it’s all systems go. After two introducing climbs the riders enter a hilly circuit around Turin. It’s twice on the menu and two climbs stand out. The Bric del Duca – 5.5 kilometres at 8.1% – and the Colle della Maddalena – 5.5 kilometres at 5.6%.
The last time over the Colle della Maddalena is with 12 kilometres to go. That’s mostly on descent, although a small climb in the Parco del Nobile could change the dynamics of the finale. It’s crested 4.5 kilometres before the line.
One could argue that stage 14 is a condensed version of Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Climbing and descending, those are essential credentials for those with the aim of winning this one. Not to mention an attacking spirit.
Favourites 14th stage 2022 Giro d’Italia
*** Wout Poels, Lennard Kämna, Koen Bouwman, Mathieu van der Poel
** Tom Dumoulin, Davide Formolo, Bauke Mollema, Simon Yates, Giulio Ciccone
* Magnus Cort, Mauri Vansevenant, Mauro Schmid, Natnael Tesfatsion, Diego Rosa
Another interesting read: route 14th stage 2022 Giro.