Stage 7: May 15 2010 - Carrara - Montalcino 222 km

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A taste of the strade bianche

Today's route has real spice. It pays tribute to Tuscany's own Gino Bartali on the tenth anniversary of his death by including sections on many of his favourite training roads around his home in Ponte a Ema, close to Florence. It starts straightforwardly enough but becomes trickier as it passes through Volterra, a World Heritage site that's one of the region's most stunning hill-top towns. Closer to the finish, there are sections on the "white roads" made famous by the early-season Monte Paschi Strade Bianche one-day race and a tricky climb before a downhill run to the line.

Procycling's favourite to win:

"This is like a mini-Strade Bianche. I've never won that race so I'll be very motivated here. I wouldn't expect too many attacks from the GC guys but that's not to say it isn't a dangerous day for them. Someone like Basso might struggle on the gravel roads, where bike-handling is very important."

Stage Details

Distance: 222km
Vertical climb: 2,080m
Highest point: 585m
Terrain: Lumpy
Category: Road Stage

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