2250 feet of climbing in less than 10 five km? Sheesh... BTW, maybe I'm an idiot, but I couldn't find the statistics for the climb anywhere until I hit on a site sellingTom Danielson Brasstown Bald Blend coffee. Anyway, they list it as Elevation gain: 2250 feet. Length: 3.1 miles. Average grade: 14%, patches over 20%.
Somebody else posted section-by-section analysis apparently from readings off their altimeter/GPS unit. That unit is either, shall we say first generation technology, or there are a couple switchbacks which top out at 45% grade. Anyway, it's interesting to contemplate such fine data.
Bottom line: this is going to be one hell of a climb. And in a race of the TdG's stature, one could argue that the stage win on Georgia's highest peak is arguably as prestigious as the overall victory. Cesar Grajales (2004) is the only other rider to win here besides Tom Danielson (2005-06). Danielson will be channeling his energies toward holding on to that prestigious honor, no doubt, and there aren't a ton of guys who can stop him.