2014 Giro d'Italia stage 5

LOCAL HERO
Today the Giro heads inland to Basilicata. Historically one of Italy's poorest regions, it's always been light on commercial and sporting success. Finally, however, its cycling fans have something – or someone – to cheer about.

Little Domenico Pozzovivo's is a story of triumph over adversity. He gave up cycling when it became apparent there was no way forward in his homeland. He took up football instead, but cycling had him in its spell. He moved north to Piedmont in the hope of getting ahead, and his audacious climbing has been a feature ever since.

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