The 2023 Giro d'Italia reaches its apex on Saturday with the innovative, daunting, and technically challenging 18.6-kilometre time trial from Tarvisio to Monte Lussari.
It's the final chance for Primož Roglič (Jumbo-VIsma) to erase his 26-second deficit to race leader Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) and the Welshman's last stand in defending his maglia rosa before the sprint-friendly parade in Rome.
The start list for stage 20 reflects how decimated the peloton is after multiple illnesses and injuries sending a quarter of the riders home. Just 125 riders are left to contest the final weekend and only two teams still have full rosters: Jumbo-Visma and Bahrain Victorious.
Last-placed Nicolas Dalla Valle (Corratec-Selle Italia) will be the first rider down the start ramp just ahead of stage 17 winner Alberto Dainese (Team DSM) at 11:30 a.m. CEDT. The early block also includes Mark Cavendish (Astana) who made it through the mountains and will be seeking a stage win in Rome.
Keep a watch on Eritrean Henok Mulubrhan (Green Project-Bardiani) as one of the stronger climbers in the first wave of starters. Stage 8 winner Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) is among the second wave at 2:14 p.m. with Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates) - winner of stage 15 - at the start of the final wave at 4:14 p.m.
The main contenders get to have a leisurely morning and lunch before gearing up for what will be a brutal effort after 5 p.m.
Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), Eddie Dunbar (Jayco-AlUla), Damiano Caruso (Bahrain Victorious), João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) start three minutes apart before Roglič is chased up the mountain by Thomas.
