One of the most storied climbs in Italy will return to serve as a bookmark to the Giro. 

The Giro d’Italia presented the 2014 route with a number of big names on hand. Vicenzo Nibali, Cadel Evans and the rest watched as the race organizers presented the parcours. The biggest stage comes just 24 hours before the final stage. The Monte Zoncolan is back and serves as the final battleground for the first Grand Tour of the season.

Cadel Evans recently announced to the media that he would almost certainly would not return to the Tour de France in 2014, and would again put much of his effort into the Giro. The month of May has been kinder in years past, and last year’s third place is certainly encouraging for the 37 year old Australian. BMC will support Teejay Van Garderen in France, but BMC’s success come outside of the Grand Tours. Between Greg Van Avermaet and Phillipe Gilbert, they have big ambitions in the Belgian and Ardennes Classics.

The route itself will still favor climbers, though the 47km time trial should work toward the specialists. Evans should be happy, and with Nibali almost certain to skip Italy and advance on France, it’s going to be interesting who takes on Evans for the title. Other GC names are being tossed around, but nothing seems to be set in stone.

Enjoy the ascent of the Zoncolan in 2010, one of Evans’ most heroic performances as a big return from Ivan Basso, among others.