Alpine stage and second uphill finish of the Giro. The route climbs the Colle del Gran San Bernardo (2469 m - Cima Coppi) a good 34 km long but without excessive gradients. An equally long descent follows, partly along the covered road that follows the tunnel. You then pass the Croix de Coeur (15 km x 1350 m asl) another over-2000 pass. Second descent of over 22 km and after a short flat final ascent to Crans Montana from an unusual side compared to the usual approaches to the resort.