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This year, however, the race will only cross Slovenia on its way to Croatia and back. Like the Tour of Slovenia, the race will have a highly symbolic character, as the two stages will join together Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Stage 14 on May 23rd will start in Trieste and continue via Osp and the newly constructed viaduct Crni kal to the border crossing Socerga where it will leave Slovenia and finish in Pula, Croatia. Slovenia will contribute 32 kilometres to the following stage from Porec to San Vendemian. Cyclists will enter Slovenia at Secovlje border crossing and will then cross the three coastal communities (Piran, Izola, Koper) on their way back to Italy. Crni kal and the port of Koper are expected to be two of the highlights of the respective stages. Slovenian cyclists will play an especially important role this year, since as many as 11 are expected to take part. Tadej Valjavec's participation will be a historic one as a Slovenian cyclist will be a team leader for the first time in the history of the race. He will lead the Swiss team Phonak and will therefore have a good opportunity to improve the best overall result to date - 18th place by Primoz Cerin. Giro d'Italia will start in Genova on May 8th and finish in Milan on May 30th. The race will be 3435 kilometres long.