Giro d'Italia 2014 - Stage 15

The fifteenth stage of the Giro d'Italia was the day before the third rest day, and promised to be one of the most crucial days on the general classification. The race was 225 kilometres from Valdengo to Plan de Montecampione. It was an odd day, as it was completely flat until the final climb up to Montecampione. Rigoberto Uran went into the race as the maglia rosa. 

A breakaway was always going to try its hand on one of the biggest stages, and the likes of Adam Hansen (Lotto-Belisol), Damiano Cunego (Lampre-Merida), Andre Cardoso (Garmin-Sharp), Fabio Felline (Trek Factory Racing), Luca Paolini (Katusha) and Maxime Bouet (AG2R La Mondiale) were present. They were also joined by a group containing Jackson Rodriguez a few kilometres later.

The break's lead swelled up to ten minutes and it looked like they could contest the win, but Neri Sottoli, who missed the move, started chasing and soon started bringing the gap down. When the break reached the initial ramps of the final climb they had a lead of two and a half minutes, which didn't seem enough. Adam Hansen of Lotto-Belisol was the first man from the break to make a move, and was joined by Andre Cardoso of Garmin-Sharp.

AG2R La Mondiale and Movistar Team were the teams setting the pace, and although Julian Arredondo and Phillip Deignan tried their hand, the general classification contenders would have their day. With four kilometres to go the attacks started, with Pierre Rolland attacking first, and quickly being followed by Uran and Cadel Evans. 

With three kilometres to go, Fabio Aru of Astana put in a massive attack which after catching the likes of Fabio Duarte and Pierre Rolland left everybody in his wake. He finished twenty one seconds in front of Fabio Duarte, and twenty two in front of Nairo Quintana. Rigoberto Uran lost twenty seconds to Quintana, the Colombian was steadily losing time to his more diminuitive compatriot Quintana.