This long stage runs alongside the Adriatic coast and finishes in Marco Pantani's hometown. The route detours inland late on to take in some of Pantani's training roads. Indeed, the two climbs near the finish, the Perticara and Barbotto, are both on the route of the Nove Colli Marco Pantani cyclo-sportive, which takes place a week before this stage. These climbs might derail the sprinters, especially when they hit the 18 per cent Barbotto, but with 40km left, don't bet against a bunch gallop.
Procycling's favourite to win:
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