following the first rest day on 20 may, the riders will tackle two flat stages with finishes in modena and novi ligure. the twelfth stage from cuneo is believed to be the first stage more suited for climbers, as it will include a climb up the , 1248 meters above sea level. the relatively short (146 km) stage will finish with a very short, but steep climb in the town of pinerolo with gradients reaching 20%. the thirteenth stage has been considered to become the first big test for the riders aiming for the general classification and will include the race's first summit finish, at lago serrù, close to ceresole reale, 188 km from the start in pinerolo. two other categorized climbs are included in the stage, namely the colle del lys, near turin, and the pian del lupo.