freddy maertens and francesco moser dominated the early portion of the 1977 giro d'italia. belgian michel pollentier took the lead from moser when the race hit the high mountains near the end of the race. pollentier went on to win the penultimate stage en route to his lone grand tour victory of his career. johan de muynck first grabbed the lead of the 1978 giro d'italia after escaping during the third stage and soloing to victory. he then successfully defended his slim lead throughout the rest of the race and won the giro. the 1979 edition featured less climbing than normal and a total of five time trials. francesco moser grabbed the early lead of the race after winning the first two time trials of the race. giuseppe saronni took the lead after the third time trial which ended in san marino. saronni then rode into milan with over a two-minute lead over moser to win the giro.