May 23, 2004 – Today’s Stage 14 travels from the North East corner of Italy
in Trieste through Slovenia and finishes in Pola, situated on the Istria
peninsula of Croatia. It’s a fairly flat 175km stage that will see riders
wind up the stage with two 6.5K finishing circuits.

150 riders rolled out today under threatening skies, with an immediate
attack of four at the 16K mark. Former Giro winner Pavel Tonkov
was joined by Muaglia, Illiano and Marzoli as they continue to push their
advantage.

With the Fasso Bortolo and Lotto-Domo teams in pursuit for their respective
sprinters, Petacchi (who may equal the Giro record of seven stage wins
today) and Robbie McEwen. Now with under 40K to go the break is has a
two-minute advantage.