These guys have been through the wringer already this week and they’re about to get wrung out a little bit more. Today’s mountain time trial will test the grit of the riders and could see another GC shake-up.

Friday 30th May: Stage 19: Bassano del Grappa to Monte Grappa, individual time trial, 26.8km

This time trial might just decide the pink jersey if Rigoberto Uran can’t regain some time from Nairo Quintana. It will certainly see more moves among the top ten – only 90 seconds separate third from ninth – a day after a major shake-up on the Panarotta saw Cadel Evans plummet from third to ninth.

Once the riders hit the base of the climb after an initial flat section of nearly 8km, there’s hardly anything under 7%. After the second time-check, it’s mostly 9% or more (including a 14% section) other than a brief plateau before the final torturous push to the finish. It’s in this final section where those who have used up too much energy too early will be caught out and severely punished.

It’s already been a hard week – I doubt many riders will thank God it’s Friday.

Header image: Monte Grappa (Image: La Fuga.cc).

Link: Official website