The 2014 Giro d’Italia will conclude with an ascent of the ultra-steep Monte Zoncolan in the penultimate stage, followed by a ride into the northeastern port city of Trieste.
Organizers unveiled the final two stages Friday after already announcing the race will begin on May 10 with three stages in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Stage 20 on May 31 will finish with the 10-kilometer (6.3-mile) climb up Monte Zoncolan, featuring an average gradient of 11.9 percent with stretches as steep as 20 percent. Riders will also face two difficult climbs before the Zoncolan in the 167-kilometer (104-mile) stage.
The race will end on June 1 with a 169-kilometer (105-mile) stage from Gemona to Trieste, finishing on a city circuit.
The rest of the route will be unveiled on Oct. 7.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.