Route: The stage has the look and length of a Classic, and will cause some problems for anyone who doesn't take enough sustenance on board or is slightly off form. The Gerlospass is hard enough to break plenty of legs, although some riders will get back up to the front on the long run-in.
Local hero: It's been pretty dismal for Austrian cycling lately with the positive test by Bernhard Kohl but Peter Wrolich is a likely starter with Milram.
Procycling's top tip: Increasingly regarded as a Classics rider whose 2004 Giro victory was a spectacular one-off, Damiano Cunego will clearly relish this stage. The lack of an uphill finish will suit him and he's quick enough and smart enough to see off most of his rivals.
Savio speaks: The stage to Mayrhofen, crossing into Austria, is really an unknown zone for me. Likely on this stage we will see a small group succeed, which could maybe drop the sprinters, or we could see a group of 60 to 70 riders with some sprinters. If Petacchi is in great condition, he will arrive in Mayrhofen for the sprint.
Stage map
Stage profile
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