2011 Giro d’Italia: Stage 20 Preview

It looks like Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank) has the maglia rosa secured, but if anythign’s certain in cycling, it’s that nothing’s certain! History has taught that the 242kms from Verbania to Sestriere that marks Saturday’s Stage 20 could be a quite decisive.   The Colle dell Finestre, that appears towards the end of the stage, almost cost Paolo Savoldelli the pink jersey in 2005.  Could similar drama unfold this year?

Where are we?

Verbania was formed with Intra and Pallanza combined in 1939.  These two historic locales, however, are dotted with ancient mansions and museums.  Beautiful gardens also pain the landscape.  Not to be missed are the Oratorio of San Remigio, the villa Giulia, and the Villa Taranto garden.

Where are we going?

Sestriere is the final climb in the stage, and, when not hosting the Giro, it’s a host to a number of winter sports, particularly skiing.  Rumors also claim that the Sestriere Pass was the site of Hannibal’s historic crossing, and while that is not known for sure, Napoleon is definitively known to have used these roads.