Preview: Zoncolan finale offers old twist on new Giro d'Italia classic

MONTE ZONCOLAN, ITALY - MAY 19: Arrival / Sebastien Reichenbach of Switzerland and Team Groupama-FDJ / Monte Zoncolan (1730m) / Mountains / Fans / Public / Landscape / during the 101st Tour of Italy 2018, Stage 14 a 186km stage from San Vito Al Tagliamento to Monte Zoncolan 1730m / Giro d'Italia / on May 19, 2018 in Monte Zoncolan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Zoncolan climb features on stage 14 of 2021 Giro d'Italia (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

The three most eagerly anticipated kilometres in Giro d’Italia history return to the route on Saturday, as the race comes back to tackle the Sutrio side of Monte Zoncolan for the first time since the mountain made its debut in 2003.

Like the Angliru’s insertion into the Vuelta a España route in 1999, it is difficult to overstate the intrigue provoked by the fearsome Zoncolan in the spring of 2003. Compact chainsets were only in their infancy and most riders knew they would have to grind – or walk – up the 27 per cent slopes as best they could.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan is Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.