Please join us for live blogging of Stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia this evening. Live coverage will begin at 7.35 AEST with comments being added to this post as the race progresses.
Stage 13 of the 2012 Giro d’Italia, the shortest road stage of this year’s race, saw riders travel 121km inland from Savona to Cervere in Italy’s northwest.
Following an early category four climb at Montezemolo after 32km, the course remained flat for much of the 90 remaining kilometres.
The day was destined to end in a bunch sprint finish, despite the best efforts of breakaway duo Francesco Failli (Farnese Vini-Selle Italia) and Martijn Keizer (Vacansoleis-DCM).
The pair built up a five and a half minute gap with 84km to go, but it was always going to be hard to hang on once the peloton turned up the heat.
Failli led Keizer over the climb at Montezemolo but, in true breakaway spirit, swapped positions to roll over the intermediate sprint at Carru.
The main pack made the catch 21km from the finish, more than enough time for the sprinter’s teams to organise their trains.
A small secondary breakaway tried its hand 5km out from the line, but it was to no avail on the long, straight roads of Cervere. It was anyone’s game.
In recent years that has often meant a stage win to Mark Cavendish (Sky Pro Cycling). Stage 13 was no different.
Norwegian road champion Alexander Kristoff (Garmin-Barracuda) finished second, ahead of Australian Mark Renshaw (Rabobank).
Tonight’s 206km stage 14 from Cherasco to Cervinia could be one for the ages, and is likely to play a deciding role in the race for the pink jersey.
After 130km of flat terrain, the roads start to angle skyward for two category one climbs – the first at Col de Joux, the second a mountaintop finish in Cervinia.
The riders only have the descent off the Col de Joux to recover before the start of the climb up to the finish, a stage conclusion that will sort the contenders from the pretenders.
It is the first true test for the pure climbers, and a form gauge for overall favourites Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) and Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale).
Scarponi will be aided by the strong climbing of Le Petit Prince (Damiano Cunego), and Basso by the likes of Polish climber Sylvester Szmyd.
Other men to watch are current pink jersey holder Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha), John Gadret (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Italian opportunist Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF Inox).
No matter the result, stage 14 is set to be an absolute classic. We’ll have updates throughout the evening, beginning at 7.35pm AEST.
BJ
Guest
Hi, any news on whether this stage or tomorrow's will be shortened re the weather/snow on the summits? Cheers
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Thanks for your company for live blogging of stage 14 of the 2012 Giro d'Italia. Tune in tomorrow for Stage 15 - more mountains and more of The Roar.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Hesjedal back in PINK!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Overall standings: 1.Ryder Hesjedal (GRM) 59:55:28 2. Joaquin Rodriguez (KAT) +0:09 3. Paolo Tiralongo (AST) +0:41 4. Sandy Casar (FDJ) +1:05 5. Basso (LIQ) +1:06 6. Roman Kreuziger (AST) +1:07 7. Benat Intxausti (MOV) +1:07 8. Rigoberto Uran Uran (SKY) +1:19
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Stage 14 certainly lived up to expectations. The big loser on the stage would have to be Roman Kreuziger (Astana), whose team leadership has to come under question with Paolo Tiralongo showing such strong form.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Amador first Costa Rican to win a stage of the Giro!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
1. Andrey Amador (Movistar), 2. Jan Barta (NetApp), 3. Alessandro De Marchi (Androni-Gioccatoli), 4. Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda), 5. Paolo Tiralongo (Astana) 6. Rigoberto Uran (Sky Pro Cycling) 7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) 8. Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleis-DCM).
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Ryder Hesjedal has crossed the line in fourth place and will take the pink jersey off the shoulders of Joaquin Rodriguez.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Andrey Amador has become the first Costa Rican to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia!!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
The leading trio will cross the line first!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Looks like he'll be pulled back in.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Domenico Pozzovivo has now jumped off the front of the peloton!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Hesjedal could be surprise winner!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
With 2km remaining the leading trio lead by just 40 secs now!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) is now chasing Hesjedal, what a race!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Thanks Tom! Things are getting intense now!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) has attacked off the front of the peloton. He's gaining time and could ride into the pink jersey!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
The leading trio looks like they will be caught. 3.5km remain and their advantage is just 1'24"!
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
He's on his own, isolated at the head of the main field.
Kit Harvey
Roar Guru
Ivan Basso has moved to the front of the main field, Szmyd having pulled off.