The stunning climb of the Monte Zoncolan is strongly tipped to return for the 2010 Giro, with the riders set to slug it out once again on what is regarded as one of the most difficult ascents in Europe.
Although it is just over ten kilometres long, it rises 1203 metres in that time for an average gradient of 11.9%. The hardest ramps are over 20% in steepness, making it hugely demanding on the riders. According to Tuttobici, the agreement with the Giro organisers RCS Sport is about to be signed.
The race has visited the climb on two occasions, in 2003 and 2007. The first saw the Giro use the road from Sutrio, with eventual race victor Gilberto Simoni (Team Saeco) beating Stefano Garzelli (Vini Caldirola) and Francesco Casagrande (Lampre) to the summit.
Marco Pantani (Mercantone Uno-Scanavino) had one of his best days then in what was his final Giro, attacking several times before crossing the line fifth. Indeed he might have won the stage had Simoni not been so determined to add to his tally in the race.
Simoni triumphed again four years later when the race approached the climb from the more difficult , outsprinting his Saunier Duval – Prodir team-mate Leonardo Piepoli to the line. Andy Schleck (CSC) was third, seven seconds back, while Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) lost 31 seconds but went on to win the race overall.
Confirmation of this plus full route details are expected to be known soon. Tuttobici has said that RCS Sport is likely to announce the 2010 route earlier than other years, with October 24th one possible date.