Today is Stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia, and that means it’s Zancolan time: “10 km at an average 12% gradient, with peaks topping out at 22%,” according to the official site.

“It’s brutal. It’s relentless,” Mitchelton-Scott sports director Matt White told Cycling Weekly.

? Stage 14 | Tappa 14
? May 19th, 2018
⛅ San Vito al Tagliamento – Monte Zoncolan, 186 km
⏰ Start: 11.55 PM CEST
? Finish: 5.15 PM ca CEST
? https://t.co/KATplApccs #Giro101 #Giro pic.twitter.com/9uqWUnoDWT

— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) May 19, 2018

For me, it’s the hardest climb in cycling. Bola del Mundo in the Vuelta a España is hard, but this goes on for nine kilometres. It’s 40 minutes for the first riders, but for us mortals, it’s one hour. One hour of going all out.

Sky sports director Matteo Tosatto

Except where noted, all quotes are from Cycling Weekly. Tip o’ the hat to Joe Lejog for the link.

Someone says it is the hardest climb in Europe. The Zoncolan’s Name gives you goosebumps. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Zoncolan Mountain! | Dicono sia la salita più dura d’Europa. Solo il nome fa tremare le gambe al gruppo. Signore e signori, lo Zoncolan! #Giro101 pic.twitter.com/nxSgZGWnnH

— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) May 19, 2018