Race director Angelo Zomegnan describes this as one of the race's six summit finishes, but admits it's by far the least intimidating. The mid-stage Passo delle Palade is long but not excessively tough. The final climb to Peio Terme averages five per cent. Liquigas leader Ivan Basso will have happy memories of winning last year's Tour of Trentino here, his first success following his two-year ban, but the overall contenders may be happy to mark each other and let the glory go elsewhere today.
Procycling's favourite to win:
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European Cyclocross Championships: Fem van Empel wins women's elite title in thrilling battle with Ceylin Alvarado
Van Empel out-sprints her compatriot in a dramatic final lap as Brand takes third for a Dutch 1-2-3 -
European Cyclocross Championships: Jente Michels defends under-23 men's title
Filippo Agostinacchio in second and Aubin Sparfel third as Haverdings mechanical denies him podium spot -
Wout van Aert to make Cyclocross season debut after December Visma-Lease a Bike training camp
Belgian recovered from season-ending injury, exact date of racing return unconfirmed -
European Cyclocross Championships: Célia Gery wins under-23 women's title
Marie Schreiber second for Luxembourg, Leonie Bentveld in third
