Giro d'Italia overall classification race hots up in final week

Joaquin Rodriguez, Giro d'Italia 2012, stage 13

Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) goes into the Giro d'Italia's final mountainous run with a slim 30-second lead over Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda). It's an uncomfortable advantage given the race ends with a time trial, which suits his rival.

The 33-year-old Spaniard has placed fourth in the Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia, and ninth in the Tour de France. Two years ago when the Tour finished on the Col du Tourmalet, the two rivals proved equally matched on the climbs and finished side-by-sided.

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