'A real badass climb' - Local star Giulio Ciccone predicts major gaps in Giro d'Italia's first major summit finish at Blockhaus

Giulio Ciccone, the Abruzzo-born Lidl-Trek rider, has publicly declared that the Giro d'Italia's upcoming Blockhaus summit finish will create "major gaps" in the general classification. Having tackled the climb multiple times, Ciccone's assessment, shared via *CyclingNews*, highlights the 13.6km ascent's brutal 8.4% average gradient and its potential to significantly reshape the GC battle early in the race. His comments come ahead of what is anticipated to be the first true test for the overall contenders.

This prediction from a local star carries significant weight. Ciccone, known for his aggressive climbing style and three Giro stage wins, understands the nuances of Italian mountain passes better than most. His intimate knowledge of Blockhaus, coupled with its history as a GC decider – most notably in 2017 when Nairo Quintana seized control – underscores its importance. For riders like Tadej Pogačar, who will be looking to assert dominance, or those hoping to limit losses, Ciccone's warning serves as a stark reminder of the challenge ahead and the need for impeccable form.

Ciccone's insight isn't merely local pride; it's a seasoned rider's candid assessment of a climb that rarely disappoints in its ability to expose weakness. The peloton would do well to heed his words.