Racing

Giro d’Italia 2014: King of the Mountains contenders

Five men who could lead the charge for the maglia azzurra

With the Grand Partenza in Belfast just days away, the excitement for the first Grand Tour of the year- the Giro d’Italia – is intensifying.

The race for the maglia rosa, with Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar) leading the contenders, could be among the closest yet.

Stefano Pirazzi celebrates on the final podium last year after storming to King of the Mountains success (pic: Sirotti)

With a tough parcours awaiting, with iconic climbs and summit finishes aplenty, the battle to be crowned King of the Mountains should also be an exciting one.

Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani-CSF) will return to defend his blue jersey but he could face stiff competition from a number of riders looking to show themselves on the likes of the Passo Gavia and Monte Zoncolan.

Read on for our views on the men likely to contest the maglia azzurra this year and add your own in the RCUK Forum.

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