Five years ago, Gilberto Simoni took control here before going on to win his second of two Giro d'Italia victories. In fact, the Italian will be back again this year and has named this stage as his target.
"I think that my stage is here, Alpe di Pampeago," Simoni noted in a March interview of the 195-kilometre stage that ends with the 7.65-kilometre romp up Pampeago, averaging 9.8% over its 753-metre rise. "I won there in the past [stage 14, 2003], and then also finished second there behind behind Pantani [stage 19, 1999 - ed.]. I have some good memories, even if there is a lot of strain associated with that climb. To be able to come out and win it would truly be a beautiful thing."
More about race
-
Volta ao Algarve stage 2 - LIVE
The peloton will start in Lago and finish on the Fóia, the highest point of the Algarve region at 896 metres above sea level -
UAE Tour: Jonathan Milan takes second sprint victory with super tight stage 4 win
European champion Tim Merlier and Jasper Philipsen narrowly beaten in three-way after crosswinds wreaked havoc -
No Giro d'Italia title defence for Tadej Pogačar, confirms Gianetti
Triple Crown winner likely to target Tour-Vuelta double instead depending on early season results -
The Milan-San Remo lottery - Michael Matthews' insider opinion on one of cycling's hardest races to conquer
The opening Monument suits the Australian's versatility, durability and finishing speed so well, yet its trophy has remained within reach, but tantalisingly out of his grasp
