Route: Another long day over 200km and one with a number of tricky moments, mostly towards stage's end. The early climb should be the springboard for a breakaway, and there's no reason that a group with several powerful riders won't stay clear till the finish. The race leader will need to be careful over the closing kilometres, as valuable seconds could be lost.
Local hero: It will probably be a few more days before we see the best of Marco Pinotti in the Cinque Terre TT, but he'll have a huge incentive today as he races into his hometown.
Procycling's top tip: Winner of the 2007 Giro, Danilo Di Luca, was not far behind stage-winner Garzelli on a similar stage to this that season. A proven Classics performer, the LPR leader should be in the mix today.
Savio speaks: Riders will have to pay attention to the climbs like Colle del Gallo. However I think the gruppo will make it over this with no problem. The riders confront the climb yearly at the Settimana Lombarda. It is not a climb that will make the difference.
Stage map
Stage profile
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