Route: Much like the Tour's 2007 London prologue or 2003 Paris prologue, this time trial highlights most of what makes Rome so unique. This short time trial starts from the edge of the Roman forum below the Palatine hill and finishes in the shadow of the Colosseum. It's pretty flat, but has lots of turns that will favour the specialists.
Local Hero: Alessandro Proni probably wouldn't have imagined that he would get the chance to race around the usually traffic-jammed streets of his home city, and the ISD rider, who helped them win the TTT at the Coppi e Bartali race in March, is sure to relish this stage.
Procycling's top tip: We've been saving the name of Levi Leipheimer for this stage because we have a hunch the Astana leader may have reason for a double celebration here. Close to a first major tour win at last year's Vuelta, he's going better than ever.
Savio speaks: This stage will show off Roma as Caput Mundi, the capital of the world. The stage travels through all the historic sites, starting near the Colosseum.
I am on the edge of my seat thinking the maglia rosa could come down to a fight of two or three on the streets of Roma. It would be a spectacular fight.
I remember back in 1992 when Andrea Tafi won for my team at the Giro del Lazio ahead of Davide Cassani, third. Tafi had his hands up for victory with the Colosseum in the background on the Fori Imperiali.
Stage map
Stage profile
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'Sometimes you just mentally crack' – Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney falls short of own expectations on La Vuelta Femenina stage 6 climbing test
Tenth on the day puts Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider in sixth overall with L'Angliru looming -
'Maybe I won't win 19 this year' – Pink jersey Paul Magnier turns from quantity to quality with maiden Grand Tour success at Giro d'Italia
Frenchman laughs that he won't be sleeping in pink jersey after stage 1 win, but vows to defend it on punchy stage 2 finish -
'You have to be humble in the Giro' - Sepp Kuss not taking 'plan B' role for Jonas Vingegaard in Giro d'Italia
'It's all in for Jonas and and and we have the team, for helping with that,' says American -
'Need to be attentive 100%' - Geraint Thomas warns of potential GC headache on tricky Giro d'Italia stage 2 finale after Netcompany Ineos escape hectic opener unscathed
Director of Racing says he's not expecting fireworks from Vingegaard into Veliko Tarnovo, but riders should be at the front for final 20km with cobbles and steep section
