The Giro last went into Puglia in 2008 when Giovanni Visconti, now leader at ISD-Neri, took the maglia rosa on a similarly long stage into Peschici. But that finish suited climbers more than this one, where strong rouleurs should be prominent, especially if it's road-meltingly hot. They will want to get into a group that has a decent advantage once the bumps of Italy's spine are behind them, consequently giving them a good chance of success as the road drops down towards the coast.
Procycling's favourite to win:
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UCI Gravel World Series - Crystal Anthony and Skyler Taylor win Highlands Gravel Classic
Runner-up spots claimed by Jenna Rinehart and Tim McBirney in first of two American qualifying events -
‘The last kilometre was just a little too much’ - Lotte Kopecky takes fifth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège after dropping on Roche-aux-Faucons climb
'I think it is a race that I can win in the future but just not this year' says world champion who now turns attention to Tour de France Femmes -
Tour of the Gila: Galen Bolard and Eric Brunner win stage 4 bunch sprint
Lauren Stephens and Keiran Haug retain race lead after penultimate stage -
‘It's proof that you should never give up’ - Kim Le Court chases back after being dropped to claim first Monument victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège
National champion of Mauritius overcomes breathing struggles and cramps to take victory in first participation at La Doyenne
