2014 Giro d'Italia five different categories, named A to E. The category of a stage determines the points given for the points classification, and for the maximum time allowed for cyclists to finish the stage. Category A is reserved for the flattest stages, while category D is for the stages with the highest mountains. Category E is for time-trial stages. It started in Belfast on 9 May 2014 and traveled across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. There were three rest days instead of the usual two and the race started on a Friday. In the 2014 Giro d'Italia, four different
2015 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12 to Stage 21 of his successful attack, Contador extended his lead over Landa to 5' 15" with two key mountain stages and one flat stage remaining in the Giro. The penultimate mountain stage of this year's Giro is expected to feature one of the final showdowns between the main GC contenders. The first 151 kilometers of the stage is a bit hilly, featuring the third category climb of Croce Serra. The final 85 kilometers of the stage will be crucial as it features three first category climbs. The riders will have to tackle the climb of Saint-Barthélemy first. The ascent is almost 20