Giro d'Italia Stage 9 LIVE

Lugo - Sestola (Passo del Lupo) 172 km

Day two with serious climbing on the menu. Quite a bit easier today as there is only the one big climb and it looks like a typical "pedalabile" climb for the most part (Did we miss pedalabile in our Giro dictionary? Anyways an even fast big-ring climb for these guys)

Amy's wine tip for the day: Castelluccio Ronco dei Ciliegi 2007

Castelluccio is nestled in the Modigliana Hills, between the two towns of Faenza and Forlì, at an altitude range of 750 - 1500 feet above sea level. An ideal location near both the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, it is recognized as a micro-zone for Sangiovese di Romagna as well as being the only DOC named after the ubiquitous grape.

In the glass Plums, pepper, leather and spice, balanced by some clear acidity. If you have the time and patience it is one to revisit on day two after it opens a bit more.

Worth highlighting: Food wise, Emilia-Romagna is the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma, tortellini, and much more. For a great look at the food of the region, look out for The Splendid Table by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. She writes: "Ask an Italian where to take only one meal in Italy, and, after recommending his mother's house, he will more than likely send you to Emilia-Romagna."

Il Big del Giorno: Dani Moreno

He's not dumb enough to miss twice in a row because Katusha needs to salvage some joy from this Giro. And as Susie points out in her preview, there is a bit of a kick in that final km that could serve well as a launchpad.

Official site , Stageinfo , Startlist , Final climb below