Greig Leach

The final section of the penultimate climb of the Giro was some of the worst surfaces for bike racing, out done only by the famed pave sections of Paris Roubaix. However this road was also on a 10% average gradient, whereas those of Northern France are straight and flat. Both race courses come with thousands of yelling, costumed fans, many of whom are considerable less than sober as well. Today the peloton found it self negotiating the winds and exposed crags above the tree line and into the remaining pockets of last winter's snow. Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has truly come into his own over the last week of the Giro, climbing not only mountains but the general classifications standing as well. Tucked onto the resurgent Canadian's wheel is another who's final days of the Giro are far superior to the opening days, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep). Both men should move even further up the GC based on their efforts today.