Giro Stage 20 ***Spoiler***

inkyfingers

I think the course was a bit OTT, but I think the bigger problem was simply the gulf between AC and the rest. It robbed the race of the drama that characterises a great GT (the final TT in '89 tour, Evans desperately trying to stay on Basso's wheel at the '10 Giro, Il Falco descending like a stone to keep Simoni in check in '05). Watching guys race for 2nd is never going to be the same, particularly when they haven't even raced very aggressively. I think that Scarponi clearly burnt too many matched too early in the season, Garzelli is just too old, Anton and J Rod are too hit and miss and can't TT. The rest (Nibali, Kreuziger and Menchov etc) are just diesels who are never going to light up the race on a climb.

It's had some great moments, but somehow the overall package has been average, but then again the majority of GT's are to be honest, once every 5-10 years you might get a cracker but they are often a disapointment. I'll still keep watching though, because when this sport is good there is nothing that can touch it.

afx237vi

I don't think the parcours was that much of an issue... just the dominance of Contador made it a foregone conclusion very early on.

As far as I'm concerned a GT with 7 mountain finishes (and Contador mullering everyone) is always going to better than a GT with 3 mountain finishes (and Contador mullering everyone).

frenchfighter

"The dedication for my victory today is without doubt for my friend Tondo, I knew him very well in the races of the north, he was a good person who enjoyed cycling, liked life, he liked to suffer ... the best way to remember was to win and I'm really happy to be able to do so. After his death, we remained at Giro to honor his memory and his passion."

That photo of him crossing the line is brilliant.

Getty