Giro 2014 set for rare Zoncolan pink jersey finale

The fight for the 2014 Giro d'Italia could be decided on a ride into "hell" as the formidable Monte Zoncolan will be tackled on the penultimate stage, local organisers said Friday. The race's 97th edition will begin in the decidedly un-Italian city of Belfast on May 10 before rejoining the continent for the remainder of the three-week epic. Although the battle for the race leader's pink jersey ends on the 21st and final stage in Trieste on June 1, those fighting for overall victory are likely to do battle for the final time on the 20th stage from Maniago to Monte Zoncolan. A long and steep climb with an average gradient of 11.9 percent and some passages at a whopping 20 percent, it will feature for the fifth time since 2003. It will be tackled from the most difficult approach via Ovaro, like three of the last four times it has appeared, and could play a decisive role in the destination of overall victory. On the last four occasions, the climb featured on stages 12 (2003), 17 (2007), 15 (2010) and 14 (2011). Local organisers cited two important dates -- the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the 60th anniversary of Trieste becoming part of Italy -- as one of the reasons for the climb's inclusion. During a short presentation Friday called "See you in hell", governor Debora Serracchiani said she hoped the spectacular images transmitted by "over 180 television channels" around the world would boost tourism. "It will allow us to showcase our region to the world," she said. Italian Vincenzo Nibali is the reigning Giro d'Italia champion. Source: AFP