Stage 19: May 28 2010 - Brescia - Aprica 195 km

This stage is relentless climbing, with the second highest total of the race at 4,640m through the day. The first part rises steadily to what will later be the finish at Aprica. Then comes the hard Santa Cristina, where in 1994 Miguel Induráin suffered hunger knock during a long-range attack with Marco Pantani and lost the chance for a third consecutive Giro title.

On this stage they will continue to the brutally hard Mortirolo that will split the lead group to pieces. Its gradient is slightly less tortuous than that of the Zoncolan – 10.3 against 11.9 per cent average – but it's 2.7km longer and relentless. The tricky descent leads to a steep ramp 15km from the finish that's perfect for a late attack.

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